EUGENE, Ore. -- Freedom isn't free, but for veterans on Veterans Day, the coffee and car wash are.

As Albany gears up for the granddaddy of Veterans Day parades, the University of Oregon takes time to mark Veterans Day as does an organization that works with homeless veterans. Residents of southern Oregon and northern California should watch the skies for a fighter jet flyover.

Closer to home, government offices and banks are closed for the holiday. At least two businesses are offering free giveaways for veterans.

Know of another event? Want to share your Veterans Day message? Share it here.

And at the very least, take a moment to pause at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Better yet: pay a visit to a veteran in your life.

Fall scene from Roseburg, Ore.

Free coffee for vets in Eugene

Full City Coffee Roasters will be honoring all Veterans and Active Military Duty Personnel on Tuesday, Nov. 11, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Free car wash for vets in Springfield

Veterans receive a complimentary wash at New Image Car Wash at 526 Harlow Rd. in Springfield, Ore., from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Nov. 11. Veterans will only need to inform New Image verbally that they are veterans in order to receive their free carwash.

New Image Car Wash opened in Springfieldin April 2005. It contains a conveyor express tunnel, 4 self-serve bays, and 4 self-serve vacuums. For more information call 541-988-WASH (9274)

Lane County home to 1,385 homeless vets

A barbecue by and for veterans who are residents of VETLift, the St. Vincent de Paul apartments for homeless veterans gets cooking at noon.

VetLIFT stands for “veterans living independently following treatment.”  The program serves veterans who have been chronically homeless and/or dually  diagnosed with mental illness and substance abuse. St. Vincent de Paul has renovated two apartment complexes for veterans and is in the process of renovating a  third.

The Veterans Administration estimates Lane County is home to over 1,300 chronically homeless vets.

You can send donations for the program to St. Vincent de Paul PO Box 24608 Eugene, 97402

Community members interested in serving on an advisory board are welcome to apply by calling Rebecca at 687-5820 x121.

UO observes Veterans Day

The University of Oregon will participate in the national observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will begin with the ROTC color guard at 11 a.m. in the Knight Library Browsing Room, 1501 Kincaid St.

The UO administration, represented by David Frank, dean of the Robert D. Clark Honors College, and Frances Dyke, vice president for finance and administration, will join members of the university's ROTC program and the Veterans and Family Student Association to mark the occasion.

The event will focus on the historical significance of Veterans Day.
Frank will provide an overview of Veterans Day, and Heather Briston, university historian and archivist, will share archival photographs and information about campus memorials.

"Veterans Day is an important day for reflection," said Frank. "As we honor the history of the occasion, the university will recognize the sacrifices of our former, current and potentially future students."

In addition, representatives from the UO's ROTC program will discuss the history of the organization on campus and profile a prominent former student, coach and veteran, Bill Bowerman.

The Veterans and Family Student Association (VFSA) will also provide insight about the importance of the holiday for current veteran students and their families.

Following the event, the VFSA will host a discussion panel at noon in the EMU Amphitheater, 1222 E. 13th Ave.

Fighter jets flyovers in southern Oregon and northern California
 
The Oregon Air National Guard will salute America's fallen heroes and veterans with flyovers for various ceremonies at locations throughout Oregon and Northern California. The 173rd Fighter Wing, based in Klamath Falls, will launch F-15 Eagle fighter jets for flyovers at the following times and locations:

11 a.m. Veterans Park, Klamath Falls, Ore.
11:10 a.m. Tulelake, Calif.
11:20 a.m. Central Point, Ore.
11:30 a.m. VA Facility, White City, Ore.
11:40 a.m. Parade, Roseburg, Ore.
11:55 a.m. North Bend, Ore.

All passes will be approximately 1,000 feet above ground level and 350 knots airspeed. Flights could be cancelled or times changed due to inclement weather or operational contingencies.

The Oregon Air National Guard has been an integral part of the nation's air defense since 1941. The 173rd Fighter Wing remains a premier F-15 pilot training facility in the United States.

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