Veterans Day ceremonies will be held Sunday in Gloucester and Mathews counties as veterans groups locally and throughout the nation prepare to mark the centennial observance of the holiday.

Veterans Day, originally called Armistice Day, dates to Nov. 11, 1918, which was the date that World War I officially came to an end.

In Gloucester

The first ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., hosted by Disabled American Veterans Chapter #58, located at 6265 Professional Drive in Gloucester.

Col. William E. Townsley (USAF-ret.) will be the guest speaker. A Vietnam War veteran who flew 466 sorties, Townsley’s many combat awards include the Silver Star and two Distinguished Flying Crosses. He was featured in a 2000 History Channel television show “Dangerous Mission,” which chronicled his being shot down in combat. A resident of York County, he has been active in community service since his retirement.

Also during the DAV ceremony, Lt. Col. Robert Walker (ret.) will present a cert...