Veterans Day events scheduled across the Valley

WASILLA— Veterans Day falls on Sunday, Nov. 11 and will also be observed the following Monday. There are a series of annual events dedicated to the Mat-Su Valley’s veterans.

Veteran’s Wall of Honor ceremony

On Sunday at 11 a.m., American Legion Post 35, Alaska Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9365, and other local veteran groups will gather for the annual Veteran’s Wall of Honor ceremony to honor those who’ve served.

There were speaker presentations, a flag ceremony, riflemen routines, and songs from a bugler as well as an assortment of refreshments, often filled with home-baked treats.

All three mayors, Palmer, Wasilla and Borough are expected to be there alongside various politicians and or representatives from their offices.

The ceremony will take place at the new Veteran’s Wall of Honor location off Wasilla Fishhook, where the old Iditarod Elementary School was. After the ceremony, Post 35 will host an open house where everyone is welcome, starting at 2 p.m. Other groups are expected to have open houses as well.

Veterans Day Tribute at the Mat-Su College

On Monday at noon Mat-Su College will host its 2018 Veterans Day Tribute at the Glenn Massay Theater. MSC is set to honor both active duty and veteran men and women who’ve served in the U.S. Military.

During the ceremony, will also honor Alaskan Staff Sergeant David Thomas Brabander, who died on December 11, 2017 while serving in the Nanghar Province of Afghanistan.

Wasilla Area Seniors Quilts of Valor ceremony

Monday starting 11 a.m., WASI will honor about a dozen veterans with their individualized Quilts of Valor during their lunchtime.

WASI CEO, Chuck Foster Friends, family and the remaining public to join them to recognize and comfort the old-time war heroes. WASI adopted the Quilts of Valor national program a few years ago. Local women worked on these quilts all year.

“It’s worth it to set aside a day that we as a nation appreciate what the veterans have done for us,” Foster said.

Pioneer Home Veterans Day Ceremony

Sunday starting at 2 p.m., the Pioneer Home is hosting their annual Veterans Day ceremony at their center. There will be live music provided by a local pianist, a flag presentation by the Colony High School JROTC color guard, and an expected visit from Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Pioneer Home Administrator, Joshua Shaver said that they currently have 57 veterans from World War I, Korean War and Vietnam War.

“We only get to honor them so much longer so it’s important that every year we do our best for them,” Shaver said.

Mat-Su Regional Medical Center community-wide veteran’s reception

Monday the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center is hosting a patriotic event to honor those who’ve served, inviting the whole community on from 3 to 4 p.m. in the main lobby.