Veterans Day is today, and Islanders join others around the country in observing the national holiday. A parade begins at 10:45 this morning in Oak Bluffs.

The route begins at Nancy’s Restaurant and continues to Ocean Park for a ceremony. Refreshments will follow at the VFW Post 9261.

By long tradition, at 7:30 this morning members of American Legion Post 257 will place flags along the Avenue of Flags in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven.

Volunteers wishing to help are welcome at the cemetery at 7:15 a.m., and again at 2:45 p.m. to take the flags down.

Schools, post offices and government offices are closed. Most retail businesses are open.

The Steamship Authority is offering free passage to all military personnel traveling on ferries as passengers.

Donations to the Veterans Assistance Fund can be sent to American Legion Post 257, P.O. Box 257, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.