Veterans Day events around Anchorage and Mat-Su

A U.S. flag adorns a memorial wall at Merrill Field Airport on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, that lists the names of airmen from the 11th Air Force, Fleet Air Wing Four, and Royal Canadian Air Force who died or suffered captivity while serving in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. Veterans Day is on Thursday, Nov. 11. (Bill Roth / ADN)

Alaska, where roughly one in 10 residents has served in the armed forces, will observe Veterans Day on Thursday. Here are some of the events happening through Saturday in Anchorage and the surrounding area.

Veterans Day Ceremony at JBER — Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, will host a Veterans Day ceremony online. Due to COVID-19 there will be no in-person event at the Alaska National Guard armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. On Nov. 11, the prerecorded message will be viewable at veterans.alaska.gov.

The event will also include the presentation of the Governor’s Veterans Advocacy Award for 2021.

To reduce wait times for people accessing Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Veterans Day, there will be a call-in number for early registration through 10 a.m. Registering early will allow guests to enter JBER without needing to stop at the Visitor Control Center. Call 907-552-6910 from 8-11 a.m. and 12-4 p.m. for more information.

American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 — Free lunch catered by Peppercini’s, a live band and gift card giveaways. 12:30-3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 (840 W. Firewood Ln.; 907-272-5242)

The American Legion Spenard Post 28 — Dinner will be provided to members and guests; feel free to bring a dish to add to the buffet. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. (7001 Brayton Dr.; 907-344-3841)

Special showing: “Saving Private Ryan” — Tickets will be $5 for all attendees in observance of Veterans Day, which includes a concession voucher for a small popcorn and small fountain drink (excludes ICEEs). Sign up at UAATix.com (tickets are not sold on-site at Century 16; online sales end at 5 p.m. Nov. 12). Show is at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 12, at Century 16 Theatre. (301 E 36th Ave.)

Eagle River Elks Lodge — There will be a rib dinner that’s free for all veterans. 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13. (17111 N. Eagle River Loop Rd., Eagle River)

Mat-Su

Veterans Wall of Honor — There will be a ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 11. The Veterans Wall of Honor is near the Wasilla police station. (801 Wasilla-Fishhook Road, Wasilla)

American Legion Post 15 — Ceremony begins at 6 p.m. There will be a Commander’s Veterans Day speech and finger food for veterans and their families. Thursday, Nov. 11. (1550 S. Mystic Circle, Palmer; 907-745-4440)

Willow Trading Post — Free meals for current and former military members (bring proof of service). 12-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 (14345 N. Willow Station Rd., Willow; 907-495-1695)

AmVets Post 9 — There will be a potluck at 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 11 (1591 N. Creste Foris St. Wasilla; 907-376-2999)