Veterans Day events and closures in Southcentral Alaska

To recognize the men and women of the armed forces, Congress officially changed Armistice Day — honoring World War I veterans — to Veterans Day in 1954.

Around 67,000 veterans, or more than 9% of the state’s population, call Alaska home, according to the American Community Survey from 2013-2017.

Here are some opportunities for Southcentral Alaska’s veterans to spend time with their brothers and sisters in arms, and with their supportive neighbors, on this national day of remembrance.

Sunday, Nov. 10

Veterans Day Celebration Concert — Performed by the Matanuska-Susitna Orchestra. 3 p.m. Glenn Massay Theater, 8295 E. College Drive in Palmer.

Monday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day

Veterans Day Ceremony at JBER — The ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson will include a performance by the Glacier Brass band, a presentation of the colors by the Alaska Military Youth Academy and recognition of the Governor’s Veterans Advocacy Award recipient. The keynote speaker will be Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard. The JBER-Richardson gate will be open to the public at 9 a.m. and the ceremony will start at 10:45 a.m. Signs and traffic controllers on base will direct guests to the ceremony.

Veterans Day appreciation and networking event — Networking begins at 9:45 a.m. with the Veterans Day program beginning at 10:45 a.m. The UAA alumni association, which is hosting the event, asks that attendees RSVP at https://bit.ly/2omnTbm. Alaska Airlines Center, 3550 Providence Drive.

Free meals for veterans at American Legion Post 29 — Free hot dogs and hamburgers for veterans. 10 a.m. to midnight. 1467 Muldoon Road.

Free lunch for veterans at AMVETS Post 2 — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 855 E. 38th Ave.

Free lunch for veterans at AMVETS Post 49 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 9191 Old Seward Highway.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Veterans Wall of Honor Ceremony — Representatives from federal, state and local political offices will be in attendance to honor veterans at 11:11 a.m. AMVETS Post 9 of Wasilla will host the ceremony. The Veterans Wall of Honor is located on Wasilla-Fishhook Road, near the site of the new police station.

Veterans Day Ceremony in Palmer — The ceremony will recognize veterans and honor World War II and Vietnam War veteran Walt Fergus of Wasilla. Noon. Glenn Massay Theater, 8295 E. College Drive in Palmer.

Lunch for veterans and their families at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9365 — 1 p.m. 301 E. Lake View Ave. in Wasilla.

Flag retirement and members-only potluck at American Legion Post 28 — The potluck is for members only, but the community is welcome to drop off flags at any time to be retired by the Legion. 2 to 6 p.m. 7001 Brayton Drive.

Public Salmon Bake at American Legion Post 1 — The public dinner begins at 5 p.m. 840 W. Fireweed Lane.

Dinner at American Legion Post 15 — For military and Post 15 members. 6 to 8 p.m. 1550 S. Mystic Circle in Palmer.

Closures

In observance of Veterans Day, the following agencies and offices will be closed Monday:

• All Anchorage municipal offices and People Mover bus service

• All Anchorage Public Library locations

• Anchorage School District

• Matanuska-Susitna Borough District

• Kenai Peninsula Borough School District

• All United States Postal Service post office locations

• Most business offices on JBER

• Federal and state courts

• The Anchorage U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs office