Veterans Day Wednesday closures, observances

It's Veterans Day Wednesday and most government agencies will be closed for the holiday.

Many will mark the holiday at 11 a.m., in remembrance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the time when an armistice stopped most of the fierce fighting during in World War I.

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor of all who served honorably in the military -- in wartime or peacetime.

In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served -- not only those who died -- have sacrificed and done their duty.

Cleveland: Mayor Frank Jackson will lead an 11 a.m. ceremony in the rotunda of Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave. An Army marksmanship trailer will be parked in front.

Bedford:11 a.m. ceremony Veterans Park, next to 687 Broadway Avenue.

Eastlake: 11 a.m. at the gazebo on the Boulevard of Flags behind City Hall, 35150 Lake Shore Boulevard.

Euclid: 11 a.m. ceremony at Euclid City Hall, 585 East 222nd Street. Free lunch follows at the American Legion Post 343, 20750 Arbor Avenue.

Lakewood: 11 a.m. at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue.

Ravenna/Portage County: 10:45 a.m. Portage County Veterans Day program at the Portage County Courthouse with Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, at 203 W. Main Street in Ravenna.

Beachwood: From 1 to 4 p.m., the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will "Honor Those Who Serve," with veterans telling their stories and artifacts being displayed. Military tours will be given at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Admission $7 for adults under 60, located at 2929 Richmond Road.

Cleveland Heights: 7:30 p.m. Veterans for Peace at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Coventry Road and Fairmount Boulevard.

Akron/Akron Zoo: Akron Zoo will be offering half-price admission to all military personnel, veterans and their immediate families November 7-13. Veterans or people currently serving in the military will just have to show a military ID to receive the discount.

In addition to the discount for military families, the Akron Zoo has also teamed up with the United Service Organization (USO) Northern Ohio Chapter to provide half-price admission between November 7-13 for anyone who brings in a health and wellness item including toothbrushes, batteries, magazines, toilet paper, shaving supplies and much more.

Also needed are food/snack items such as small canned goods, tea/coffee, fruit snacks and more. Call (330) 375-2550 for more information.