When the air begins to cool and the leaves begin to change colors, we know that fall has arrived. It is many people's favorite time of the year because of the holidays and how it brings families together. Some holidays are meant to stop us and take a moment in our busy lives to reflect on what others have done for us. Many people celebrate and honor veterans all year long but one day a year is set aside for our nation to come together to recognize those who have valiantly served our country. Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, became a nationally recognized holiday beginning in 1938. Joint Base Lewis-McChord and the surrounding communities always embrace Veterans Day and find ways to give back and celebrate our veterans. Here are some of the events that will be taking place in the Puget Sound area. 
Veterans Appreciation Days. The Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium will be honoring all veterans by offering free admission to the facilities. Family members will receive half-off general admission. Nov. 10-12. For more information, please visit nwtrek.org or pdza.org
Tahoma National Cemetery Veterans Day Ceremony. Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., free. This event will include keynote speaker George Rossman, former mayor of Enumclaw and a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. This year's theme is, "Saluting our Korean War Veterans." Guest speaker Mark Daigneault, the last remaining original staff member prior to the opening of Tahoma, will also be on hand. This event will honor all military members who have served or are currently serving our nation and will include a flyover by the Historic Flyover Foundation at 11 a.m. The event will be located at the Tahoma National Cemetery Main Flag Pole Assembly area.
Veterans Day Ceremony at the Capitol. Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m., free. The Thurston County Veterans Council will be presenting this special event at the Capitol Rotunda. World War II veteran, Fred Parker, of the 39th Bomber Group, will be presented with a special flag that was flown at Omaha Beach during WWII. Judge Brett Buckley of the Thurston County Veterans Court and a senior officer from Joint Base Lewis-McChord will be guest speakers. Musical entertainment will be provided by The American Legion Band. 416 Sid Snyder Ave. SW, Olympia. For more information, please call Bill Doucette at 360.701.3242.
Lakewood Veterans Day Ceremony. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2-3 p.m., free. The City of Lakewood will be commemorating JBLM's 100th anniversary with a Veterans Day ceremony. U.S. Congressman Denny Heck, 10th Congressional District, will be hosting along with other community leaders. 6000 Main Street SW, Lakewood.
A Veterans Pilgrimage -- A Journey of Remembrance, Reflection and Prayer. Saturday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon. This Veterans Day event is open to the public and all veterans are invited to attend. Also, be sure to bring a token or icon with you to the service. Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave. E., Seattle. For more information, please contact Deacon Brian Wright at 206.325.4200.
Veterans Day Celebration at the Washington State History Museum. Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. During the Washington State History Museum's Veterans Day Celebration, guests will learn about how the United States entered The Great War a hundred years ago in 1917. Renowned Northwest historian Lorraine McConaghy will provide an in depth look into this period of time. 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.272.3500.
52nd Annual Veterans Day Parade and Observance. Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. The City of Auburn is proud to be designated as a regional site for the celebration of Veterans Day. The parade will honor the country's veterans and active-duty personnel. This celebration will include over 200 units and well over 6,000 parade participants, including several high school marching bands. The parade will also feature military vehicles, veterans' units, honor guards, and so much more. The parade route will travel along Main Street from E Street to A Street SW/NW. Several other Veterans Day activities will follow the parade. For more information, please visit: auburnwa.gov
Veterans Day Ceremony. Saturday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. The University of Washington Seattle Campus will be hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony and Reception. The ceremony will include recognition of the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award recipient, guest speakers, as well as the presentation of the colors. Special performance by the Husky Band as well. The ceremony takes place at the Medal of Honor Memorial at the Seattle Campus. The reception will be held in the Walker-Ames Room in Kane Hall on campus. For more information, please visit: dept.washington.edu.
Other events and observances:
2017 Veterans Day Assembly, Thursday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m., Steilacoom High School, 54 Sentinel Drive, Steilacoom
26th IAWP Veterans Day International Association of Workforce Professionals, Thursday, Nov. 9, noon, WWII Memorial, Capitol Campus, Olympia, 360.902.9476
Washington Soldiers Home, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m., Chilson Hall, Orting Veterans Home, Terryn@dva.wa.gov
Veterans Day Concert, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m., Benaroya Hall, Seattle, 206.417.5677
Thurston County Veterans Council, 10:30 a.m., music 11 a.m., Capitol Rotunda, Olympia