At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War I came to an end with the signing of an armistice — a moment that gave rise to Veterans Day.
Observed annually on Nov. 11, the national holiday is traditionally marked with parades and public gatherings commemorating U.S. military members, past and present.
Around the Bay Area, businesses and organizations are offering deals and freebies to those who served the country, including coffee, doughnuts and other food items as well as free admission to national parks.…