Paul Gadaire, a member of the Pendleton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 922, salutes the flag Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Pendleton Pioneer Chapel.

The fighting of World War I ended Nov. 11, 1918 — the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The day was officially named Armistice Day in 1926, and declared a national holiday 12 years later.

In 1954, Congress passed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, to honor all veterans.

Ceremonies are held around the nation on Nov. 11 to recognize and honor veterans of all wars. Here’s a glimpse at the events around Eastern Oregon. Activities are held on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, unless otherwise noted:

Baker City

At 11 a.m., the community is welcome to gather for a ceremony at the Baker County Courthouse, 1995 Third St.

Echo

Veterans will be honored Thursday, Nov. 10 during events organized by the Echo School District. The activities begin with a parade escorted by first responders at 10 a.m. It will feature the Middle School Wax Museum. All branches of the military will be honored.

The parade starts at 10 a.m. in front of the school, 600 Gerone St., and will loop around to Main Street and back. People are encouraged to stand or park along the parade route.

Veterans and their families are invited to an assembly at 1 p.m., in the school’s gymnasium. To recognize honored guests, veterans are asked to arrive early and provide their name, branch of service and dates served.

For more information, contact Billie Parker at 541-376-8436 or bjparker@echosd5.org.

Enterprise

The annual SOS breakfast happens from 7-10 a.m. at VFW’s Eagle Cap Post 4307, 800 North River St. Also, a flag ceremony will be held at 9 a.m.

Heppner

The Heppner High School Veterans Day Celebration is Thursday, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m. in the gymnasium, 710 Morgan St. Veterans, their families and the general public are invited to attend.

The school band and choir will perform a few selections, followed by Roll Call. The guest speaker is Scott McEwen, a Heppner High School graduate and author of the No. 1 New York Times Best Seller, “American Sniper.”

McEwen’s interest in military history, intense patriotism and experience with long-range hunting rifles, compelled him to record the battlefield experiences of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in United States military history. McEwen works with and provides support for several military charitable organizations.

Copies of his book will be available for purchase. And he will host a meet-and-greet and book signing after the program.

Veterans and their families are invited to enjoy lunch. In addition, people are encouraged to visit local downtown merchants to enjoy window displays, including photos of local veterans.

For more information, call 541-676-9138 or email Petra Payne at petra.payne@morrow.k12.or.us or Jeannie Collins at jean.collins@morrow.k12.or.us.

Hermiston

The city of Hermiston is hosting the annual Veterans Day Breakfast, 8 a.m. at the Hermiston Community Center, 415 S. Highway 395.

The event is open to veterans, active duty service members and their families. There is no charge for the meal, which is being prepared by The Pheasant Blue Collar Bar & Grill.

For more information or to RSVP, call 541-667-5018 or stop by the community center.

Imbler

A veterans assembly is happening Thursday, Nov. 10, with an 8:15 a.m. breakfast in the Imbler Elementary School cafeteria followed by an assembly at 9 a.m. in Imbler High School’s gym. Local veterans will be honored. Both events are open to the public.

Island City

Island City Elementary School, 10201 W. Fourth St., will have its annual Veterans Day program on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 1:45 a.m. Veterans are welcome.

John Day

A ceremony will be held at the flagpole in John Day at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Elks officers will honor vets followed by the Legion playing taps. Bob Van Vorhees will give a brief speech following the playing of taps. Free stew and biscuits at the John Day Elks Lodge will follow the speech.

La Grande

The annual La Grande Veterans Day parade, sponsored by American Legion Post 43, will start this year at 11 a.m.

The lineup for the parade will start at 10 a.m. on Washington Avenue behind Globe Furniture, 1520 Adams Ave. The parade will run west on Adams Avenue before concluding at Cook Memorial Library.

Following the parade a spaghetti lunch will be served at the La Grande VFW Hall, 301 Fir St. The lunch will be free for veterans. It will be served by American Legion Post 43 Auxiliary.

Milton-Freewater

Coordinated by Milton-Freewater Elks Lodge No. 2146, the annual Veterans Day parade starts at 11 a.m. on Main Street.

Afterward, all veterans are invited to enjoy a chili feed brunch at no charge at the Elks Lodge, 611 N. Main St. Others are asked to make a donation for the cost of the meal. For questions, call 541-938-3633.

Mission

Wildhorse Resort & Casino invites all veterans and military personnel to enjoy a free Veterans Day meal. Food, up to $18, can be ordered at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, located off Interstate 84 Exit 216; Hamley Steakhouse & Saloon, 30 S.E. Court Ave.; or Birch Creek Grill, 69772 Highway 395. Present military identification or proof of service for the complimentary meal.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3Nuz4pk or call 800-654-9453. For dining locations, options and menus, visit www.wildhorseresort.com/dining.

Pendleton

The Associated Student Government of Blue Mountain Community College invites all area military veterans and current service members and their families to a Veterans Day Breakfast. The free event is Thursday, Nov.10, 9-11 a.m. in Pioneer Hall, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave. Also, BMCC students and staff are welcome to attend.

For more information, call 541-278-5958 or search bit.ly/3T683K1.

And Veterans of Foreign Wars Let’er Buck Post No. 922 will lead the annual Veterans Day service, 11 a.m. in the Veterans Memorial Garden at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, 131 SE Byers Ave. It features stones with the names of all Umatilla County veterans who died in action.

Coffee and donuts will be served at the conclusion of the service. For more information, call 541-276-1221.

Prairie City

At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, a gun salute will be held at the flagpole in Prairie City.