One local church is again thanking veterans for their service a little early.

Grace Lutheran Church, 2001 Sixth Ave. SE, will hold its annual Veterans Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

“This service is important because it is one way we can honor the men and women who have fought for our country,” said Lavona Johnson, a longtime member of the worship/Veteran’s Sunday committee.

The annual service is held the Sunday before Memorial Day weekend. Johnson said about 50 to 60 veterans typically attend.

Every year, an honor guard presents flags for each branch of the military, and veterans walk to the front and stand by their flag when the song for each branch of the military plays.

Last year, Johnson remembers a Vietnam War veteran who was not from the church going to stand by the flag with tears in his eyes. Afterward, he said that the service was the first time he had ever received recognition for serving in Vietnam.

This year’s guest speaker this year will be Randy Mickelson, a veteran and Grace Lutheran member.

A pot luck will follow the service; all veterans and guests are invited.

“The [veterans] are very happy to see their comrades,” Johnson said.

Johnson said many veterans tell her when they leave, “We’ll see you next year.”