Veterans will be honored this weekend with several events throughout the area as the nation celebrates Veterans Day.

The day initially was referred to as Armistice Day and commemorated the end of World War I. However, after the second World War, its name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of all wars. It now is celebrated on Nov. 11 every year.

Today, the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery will mark the event by holding an open house for veterans and their families from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Employees will be available to answer questions about benefits available to veterans, pre-applications and cemetery operating procedures. Employees also will be available to assist visitors with locating gravesites.

Each gravesite at the cemetery has a small flag, and the road leading into the cemetery will be lined with flags.

On Saturday, the Tom Smith Camp No. 1702 Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Suffolk United Daughters of the Confederacy will hold a memorial service and monument dedication at 11 a.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery, 105 Mahan St. The monument will be dedicated to more than 1,500 Suffolk and Nansemond County men who fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Also on Saturday, the Disabled American Veterans chapter 4 in Portsmouth will assist homeless veterans at the Doctor Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center, 2019 Wendy Road in Chesapeake. Clothing, blankets, medical checks, showers and food will be provided. Transportation is available by calling 538-1931 or 334-3271.