Veterans Day remembrances slated in La Jolla and San Diego

Whether in town or a short drive away, La Jollans have several opportunities this week to ponder the sacrifices made by military service members and their families at these special events:

Marine Corp Birthday and Veterans Day Cake Cutting

2:10 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at UC San Diego, Student Veterans Resource Center. Marine Corp veterans and advocates are invited to stop by for a free slice of cake. (858) 534-5080. students.ucsd.edu/sponsor/veterans/

San Diego Veterans Day Parade

11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11 at Fountain Plaza at the Waterfront Park of the County Administration Building. The parade starts at Fountain Plaza, then proceeds south on North Harbor Drive, crossing Broadway, and continuing past the USS Midway to Pacific Highway. Parking is limited, and a half-hour walking time should be allowed after finding a spot downtown.

On the front lawn of the Midway, at 910 N. Harbor Drive, see the annual “Hometown Arlington West Memorial” erected by the San Diego Veterans For Peace, which honors the more than 300 fallen brothers and sisters from Southern California who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. (619) 804-3200. sdvetparade.org

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

2-3 p.m. Sat., Nov. 11. Parking at Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church, 6551 Soledad Mountain Road, and the French-American School, 6550 Soledad Mountain Road. (There will be a complimentary shuttle.)

Every year, this group holds a Veterans Day ceremony honoring all veterans, but one in particular. This year, the special plaque goes to Jacqueline Cochran. The late aviator was a vital part of the wartime Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps and Women Airforce Service Pilots. NASA astronaut Bonnie J. Dunbar will be the keynote speaker and Rev. Bear Ride, sister of the late astronaut Sally Ride, will deliver the invocation.(858) 459-2314. soledadmemorial.com

Miramar National Cemetery

4:15-5 p.m. Sat., Nov. 11 at 5795 Nobel Drive. A 45-minute memorial service, featuring guest speaker Congressman Scott Peters, will convene at the Veterans Tribute Tower and Carillon. It will conclude with a brief concert by the Veterans Carillon and the playing of “Taps.” (858) 658-7360. miramarcemetery.org