Several local events are scheduled for Friday and Saturday to honor military veterans on Veterans Day.

On Friday, Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg will honor veterans and active duty military personnel by offering complimentary lunch at its Heritage Buffet during the federal observance of Veterans Day, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

A veteran’s card or valid military ID must be presented to the buffet cashier to qualify for the complimentary meal.

On Saturday, a breakfast, parade and ceremony will be held in Vicksburg. The activities begin with a Veterans Day Breakfast (free for Veterans and $15 for non-veterans) at the Vicksburg Convention Center beginning at 8 a.m. Space is limited and reservation tickets are required. For reservation tickets, call Sue Bagby at 601-630-2929 or email sueb@vicksburg.org.

The “Spirit of Vicksburg” Veterans Day Parade in downtown Vicksburg will start at 9:30 a.m. and the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Memorial Rose Garden begins at 11 a.m.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District will waive day use fees for veterans, active and reserve component service members, and their families at the more than 146 Vicksburg District recreational areas on Veterans Day.

The fee waiver requires only verbal confirmation of service. The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services or fees for specialized facilities such as group picnic shelters. The District does not charge entrance fees to access its parks. Other agencies that manage recreational areas on District lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.

“We began this initiative in 2006 to support and honor the men and women who have served the nation and the armed forces,” said Maj. Gen. Ed Jackson, USACE Deputy Commanding General for Civil and Emergency Operations.