Veterans Day honors all veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in the military. Flags fly at full staff for the entire day. Although the focus of Nov. 11 is to thank living veterans for their service, Memorial Day specifically honors those who died while serving in the military. Armed Forces Day recognizes those who are currently serving.

There is nothing wrong, though, in honoring all veterans at the various activities on Monday.

Veterans will be saluted at different venues throughout the region before and on Monday with special meals and two parades, one in Virginia City and the other in Reno.

The City of Reno is hosting host its annual Veterans Day Parade. The parade will be hosted downtown on Monday, November 11 at 11:11 a.m. 

In Sparks, the community is invited to stop by the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza on Monday between 10 am and 1 pm to take a moment to honor our veterans and those who sacrificed for our daily freedoms.

Before the weekend festivities commence, the Churchill County School District is hosting special events at the schools. Contact your child’s school for more information.

The Veterans Day parade in Virginia City begins Monday at 11 a.m. on C Street, while the Reno parade starts at 11:11 a.m. on Virginia Street near the courthouse.

Although the Virginia City parade is smaller, organizers tout the number of entries from Carson City and other rural locations in western Nevada, including Fallon.

To participate in the Virginia City parade, complete the online event form at visitvirginiacitynv.com/parade-entry-form.

The annual Veterans Day Parade in Reno includes Junior ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) programs from area high schools, the Nevada National Guard, civilian military organizations, and other entries that have been a staple of the Reno parade for generations.

Veterans in the Churchill County area will be treated to a free breakfast on Monday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Fallon Convention Center. The event begins with an opening ceremony, followed by breakfast for the first 500 veterans. New Millennium is the sponsor.

The Fallon Elks Lodge is offering a Veterans Day lunch on Monday from noon to 2 p.m. at 93 W. Center St. The lunch honors all who served, and veterans eat free. The bar will also be open. The meal includes a salad, “SOS,” and a dessert, serving as a reminder of military life.

Also on Monday at noon, there is a barbecue at Vet Mech Arms, 890 Cottonwood in Fernley. This is a fundraiser for the Nevada Veterans Coalition and other veterans organizations. Stop by their shop or call 775-294-5458 to learn more about this event.

The Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program, Inc. announces the fourth annual Veterans Pancake Breakfast, sponsored by Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program, Inc. in partnership with the Carson City Elks Lodge 2177.

This special event will take place on Monday from 9 to 11 a.m. to honor and celebrate the service and sacrifices of our veterans. The Elks Lodge is located at 515 N. Nevada St.

All senior veterans and their families are invited to join the Elks for a pancake breakfast as we come together to recognize those who have served our country. Hosted at Elks Lodge 2177, this annual tradition is the lodge’s way of giving back to the brave men and women who have selflessly served.