KATU: Honoring our veterans, past and present

Honoring our veterans, past and present

PORTLAND, Ore. - It's that time of year again when we pay tribute to those who have served our country, whether they are with us today or have passed on.

This year, Veterans Day falls on Sunday, Nov. 11.

As is custom, the president of the United States will place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery and around the nation, there will be parades, remembrances and celebrations to honor our country's veterans.

Veterans Day is a long tradition in the United States that began back in 1919 when President Woodrow Wilson declared a day to honor veterans. It wasn't until 1938, however, that Veterans Day (or Armistice Day as it was originally called) became a legal holiday.

Below are some of the local events scheduled for the Veterans Day weekend. If there's an event in your community that's not on the list, send us an email so we can add it.

Beaverton

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day observance at Veterans Memorial Park

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day ceremony at Bethel Congregational Church 

Clackamas

Friday, Nov. 9 - Open House at Camp Withycombe from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Forest Grove

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Dinner at the Elks Lodge 

Gresham

Saturday, Nov. 10 - Veterans Day Parade in downtown Gresham

Saturday, Nov. 10 - Community Pancake Breakfast at the Veterans Hall at 150 W. Powell Blvd. (from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.). $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and kids 12 and under.

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Heroes Memorial

Hillsboro

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day Ceremony at the Washington County Fair Complex 

Milwaukie

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Open House at American Legion Post 180 at 2146 S.E. Monroe Street. Hot dogs and chili will be served and there will be live music. Will run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

North Portland

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Praying Hands Memorial at the University of Portland at 5000 N. Willamette Blvd. Will start at 1 p.m. 

Northeast Portland

Monday, Nov. 12 - 38th Annual Ross Hollywood Chapel Veterans Day Parade 

Southwest Portland

Friday, Nov. 9 - Public grand opening ceremony for the traveling Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall at 4101 S.W. Skyline Blvd. Begins at 10 a.m.

Saturday, Nov. 10 - MIA/POW Ceremony at 4101 S.W. Skyline Boulevard. Will start at 7 p.m.