Veterans Day is Sunday, Nov. 11, but events to honor those who have served their country start early in Whatcom County.

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

THURSDAY, NOV. 8

• Ferndale High School: Veterans Day assemblies set for 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. at 5830 Golden Eagle Drive. Veterans are encouraged to attend the continental breakfast in the auditorium foyer at 8 a.m. and stay for an assembly to be recognized.

FRIDAY, NOV. 9

• Bellingham Christian School: 10 a.m. assembly at 1600 E. Sunset Drive. Ferndale native Joe Moser, a World War II fighter pilot, will speak about being shot down over occupied France, captured by the Germans and imprisoned for several months in Buchenwald concentration camp. Details: 360-733-7303

• Western Washington University: Ceremony and reception starting at noon in the Viking Union, Multipurpose Room. Speakers include veterans from the Air Force, Marines and Army. Details: 360-650-7545.

SATURDAY, NOV. 10

• Admission to 398 national parks - including North Cascades, Mount Rainier and Olympic - will be free during the Veterans Day weekend from Nov. 10 to 12.

• Admission to Washington state parks - including Birch Bay, Larrabee and Peace Arch - also are free this weekend.

• VFW Meal: Free homemade soup, sandwiches and salad bar from 3 to 6 p.m. VFW Post No. 1585, 625 N. State St. Veterans only.

SUNDAY, NOV. 11

• American Legion: Veterans to be honored by Albert J. Hamilton American Legion Post 7 at 11 a.m. ceremony in the lobby at Bellingham City Hall, 210 Lottie St.

• Remembrance ceremony: 11 a.m. Boy Scouts Troop 4019 will perform a flag ceremony and lead a remembrance at the Bayview Cemetery Flag Pavilion in Veteran's Plaza, off Lakeway Drive in Bellingham.

Prior to the ceremony, the scouts will clean veterans' memorials; people who want to volunteer for the project may join the scouts at 8:30 a.m. at the cemetery office, 1420 Woburn St.

• "Reading of the Fallen" begins at noon at Lee Memorial Park, also known as the library lawn, across the street from Bellingham City Hall (210 Lottie St.). It is part of a national effort to read out loud the names of all veterans who have died in conflicts from the birth of the U.S. to the present. Each of the hundreds of reading locations across the country will have about 1,750 names to read.

The local reading is being organized by Whatcom County Open Carry, which needs volunteers for the event. For more information and to volunteer, email readingofthefallen@yahoo.com.

• Mount Baker Theatre: Musical salute to six local veterans, with songs and music. Begins at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $24, $18 or $15 per person, plus fees. Tickets are available at the ticket office. Call 360-734-6080.

Reach KIE RELYEA at kie.relyea@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2234.