Open the door to Fisher House on any Wednesday morning and prepare to have your willpower brought to its knees. The sweet aromas of chocolate, cinnamon and who-knows-what-else grab your senses.

It wasn’t a load for Mitch Kattan. It was an honor. For former members of the American armed forces such as Kattan, their military service gives special meaning to national commemorations like Veterans Day.

Veterans Day ceremonies and activities in the Richmond area. TODAY Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St. The American Legion’s 11th District will co-sponsor a 10 a.m. ceremony that features guest speaker Brig. Gen. Jesse Cross, 50th Quartermaster General. For details, call (804) 786-2060. Goochland County Courthouse, 2938 River Road. American Legion Post 215 will sponsor a ceremony from 11 a.m. to noon, featuring speaker retired Capt. Cathy Wilson. Also includes a Marine Corps Veterans Color Guard presentation and music by the Goochland High School Band. For details, call (804) 708-0513.

There’s a twinkle in Lou Caraker’s eyes when he talks about his grandson, Chip. It’s the pride of a warrior seeing family follow in his footsteps. Chip—Capt. Thomas F. Hancock IV—is a member of the recently established Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. Hancock, of Powhatan County, was a graduate of the first class of the Marine Special Operations School in April, after he served two tours of duty in Iraq.

BlueStarRichmond.org.
  Fisher House: To see a wish list for the house, visit RichmondFisherHouse.org or call (804) 675-6601.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed today. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed today; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed today.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed today. Richmond is open. COLLEGES—Open. SCHOOLS—Open.

Veterans Day ceremonies and activities in the Richmond area: TOMORROW Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St. The American Legion’s 11th District will co-sponsor a 10 a.m. ceremony that features guest speaker Brig. Gen. Jesse Cross, 50th Quartermaster General; wreath presentations; a rifle salute and more. For details, call (804) 786-2060.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed tomorrow. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed tomorrow; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed tomorrow.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed tomorrow. Richmond open tomorrow. COLLEGES—Open tomorrow.

Veterans Day ceremonies and activities in the Richmond area. WEDNESDAY Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St. The American Legion’s 11th District will co-sponsor a 10 a.m. ceremony that features guest speaker Brig. Gen. Jesse Cross, 50th Quartermaster General; wreath presentations; a rifle salute and more. For details, call (804) 786-2060.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed Wednesday; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed Wednesday. Richmond open Wednesday. COLLEGES—Open Wednesday.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed Wednesday; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, Hanover, Henrico and New Kent closed Wednesday. Richmond open Wednesday. COLLEGES—Open Wednesday.

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day—one day out of our busy lives that Americans stop to salute the men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in our armed forces. Americans are proud of their veterans. They are quick to thank and support them. When news of substandard living quarters at Walter Reed Medical Center broke, Americans were outraged that our troops could be treated so callously. Through programs such as the Wounded Warrior Project, families, friends, and concerned citizens give generously of time, talent, and money to help our returning veterans.

Veterans Day ceremonies and activities in the Richmond area. TODAY Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St. Pre-Veterans Day services will be held at 8 and 11 a.m. Military veterans are invited to join veterans of Fifth Baptist Church for their annual services. For details, call Thad A. Jones at (804) 329-4999 or e-mail .

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday. POSTAL SERVICE—Closed Wednesday; no delivery.  STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES—Closed Wednesday.  RICHMOND AREA COUNTY, CITY OFFICES—Charles City, Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, Goochland, New Kent and Powhatan closed Wednesday. Richmond open Wednesday. COLLEGES—Open Wednesday.

Veterans Day ceremonies and activities in the Richmond area. TOMORROW Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W. Cary St. Pre-Veterans Day services will be held at 8 and 11 a.m. Military veterans are invited to join veterans of Fifth Baptist Church for their annual services. For details, call Thad A. Jones at (804) 329-4999 or e-mail .