Today is the official federal Veterans Day holiday; most state and federal offices are closed, as are the Marion and Warren County courthouses; and there will be no mail delivery, but many schools remain open.

The day begins in Knoxville with a free breakfast for veterans sponsored by Hy-Vee; it will be served at the Iowa National Guard Readiness Center from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. and is free to all current and former military personnel and their families.

Knoxville veterans staying in local nursing homes and care facilities will also be honored; the American Legion posts in Knoxville and Melcher-Dallas are joining forces to deliver gift baskets to area veterans at 2 o’clock this afternoon.

The day concludes with a presentation of Quilts of Valor to local veterans from the World War II and Korean War eras; the last remaining area veterans who have not already received these quilts will each be presented with one in the commons area at Knoxville High School.

That ceremony will take place around 4:30 p.m.