Veterans Day in Mat-Su: Where to find ceremonies, events and special offers

What you need to know:

• Mat-Su will mark Veterans Day with ceremonies, community gatherings and special events, including the annual observance at the Mat-Su Wall of Honor in Wasilla.
• Local businesses and national chains will offer free meals, discounts and other specials for veterans. VFW Post 9365 will also host a Veterans Day meal.
• Mat-Su schools and government offices will close for the holiday. The upcoming Mat-Su Veterans Resource Fair will connect veterans and their families with resources and services.
• Short on time but need the local news scoop? Get free weekly news in your inbox for Mat-Su, from Mat-Su.

A parade of Veterans Day observances and events is planned in Mat-Su to honor those who have served, ranging from annual public ceremonies to special meals and discounts for anyone who has spent time in uniform.

Alaska has more veterans per capita than any other state, at about 8%. And in Mat-Su, that rate is even higher, at about 10%.

That makes the area an especially important place to host events honoring America's veterans and recognizing the significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Here's what's going on.

Ceremony planned at Wall of Honor

The annual Veterans Day event at the Mat-Su Veterans Wall of Honor will again be held this year at the public monument at 801 N. Wasilla-Fishhook Road. The event will feature a ceremony and speeches by local dignitaries. It begins at 11:11 a.m. Wednesday in honor of the World War I Armistice, and will be hosted by American Legion Post 15.

Food and fellowship at the VFW

VFW Post 9365 in Wasilla will host a Veterans Day meal complete with ham, roast beef, mashed potatoes and all the fixings. The meal is free to veterans, post members and their guests.

Campus connection

Mat-Su College is inviting the public to visit its Wall of Honor between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday to recognize those who have served.

There will be refreshments, mementos and information about veterans' educational services at the wall, located in the hallway near the main entrance. There will also be free coffee in Room 101A.

Meals and deals

Many local businesses will offer Veterans Day specials and discounts Wednesday in honor of the holiday. One example is Triple A's Soulfood restaurant (1450 E. Creste Foris St.) in Wasilla, which is hosting a daylong Veterans Day celebration featuring an appetizer, meal and drink special for veterans for $12.99.

According to the VA and other national deal listings, many national chains also plan to offer Veterans Day deals, including several with locations in Mat-Su.

Red Robin and Smashburger both have free burger offers, IHOP will serve free pancakes, Great Clips will provide free haircuts as part of its "Thank a Veteran" program, and both Starbucks and Circle K will have free coffee specials. Target and Walgreens will also offer 20% discounts on qualifying purchases.

Schools and government closures

All Mat-Su public schools will be closed in observance of Veterans Day. Students and teachers will return to class Thursday.

Most local banks will be closed for the holiday, as will post offices and government offices.

And don't forget ...

The fifth annual Mat-Su Veterans Resource Fair is less than a month away. The free event at the Menard Center in Wasilla will include resources, information on educational opportunities and free community support for veterans and their families. In its five years of operation, the fair has included 72 partnering agencies and hosts more than 500 veterans annually.

For more information on the event, visit the Mat-Su Health Foundation's website at healthymatsu.org.

Matt Tunseth is a freelance writer from Southcentral Alaska. Email him at matthew.tunseth@gmail.com.