Veterans Day observances on the North Olympic Peninsula today:
* The U.S. Coast Guard will host the region’s largest ceremony at Group/Air Station Port Angeles on Ediz Hook.
The Coast Guard facility was designated by the Department of Veterans Affairs as the regional Veterans Day observance site.
The ninth annual ceremony begins at 10 a.m. and is open to the public.
Retired Army Master Sgt. Bill Schrier will be the keynote speaker. The program includes performances by the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team from Washington, D.C., the Port Angeles High School band, the Strait Men’s Chorus, and the Grand Olympics Chorus of Sweet Adelines International.
The Air Force Honor Guard will render a 21-gun salute in honor of all fallen veterans.
Group/Air Station Port Angeles will open to the public at 9:30 a.m. Parking is limited; ride sharing is recommended.
* In Port Townsend, the public is invited to a Veterans Day observance at the Marvin G. Shields American Legion Post, 209 Monroe St., Port Townsend.
Cmdr. Adam Gaikowski will read the veterans service at 11 a.m., followed by a light lunch provided by the Ladies Auxiliary at noon.
* Seabees from the Pacific Northwest will gather at an 11 a.m. service at Gardiner Cemetery to honor the memory of Marvin G. Shields, the only Seabee to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor (see Page A9).
* Chimacum Girl Scouts invite veterans to a program in their honor at the Girl Scout House, 838 Tyler St., at 1 p.m.
* In lieu of its traditional Veterans Day breakfast, the Port Townsend Elks Lodge will hold an evening Armistice Day program honoring Casty Castellano, 84, for his many years of service playing “Taps” for community ceremonies and funerals.
Capt. Jonathan Kurtz, commanding officer of Naval Magazine Indian Island, will speak at the event.
The public is invited to the tribute, which starts at 7 p.m. at the lodge, 555 Otto St.