Thanks Splint!  There are a couple of holes in my veneer where there were knots.  I was hoping I could use TB Dark glue and that between that and the Walnut substrate they will be okay.  If not though I'll mix up some matching epoxy and dab it in.

So if I'm using Walnut wood and the veneer grain will be aligned with the grain of the backer, it sounds like I can use TB Dark and forego any edge banding?  But it's wise to still go ahead and veneer the back side as well?  I'm good with all that.  I just REALLY didn't want to have to veneer all the edges!