The U.S. Embassy and Consular Section in San José will remain closed Wednesday in observance of Veterans Day. Both will reopen Thursday during regular business hours, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The American Legion Post CR10, founded in Costa Rica in 1957, welcomes veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

"Joining our post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community," the organization states on its website. "Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace and blessings for our country, friends and families."

Veterans interested in joining the organization can email info@alcr10.org or visit the American Legion Costa Rica Veterans website.

Another veterans organization in Costa Rica, the Marine Corps League, also known as the Marine Corps Warriors League, was founded in 2010 and has expanded its invitation for membership.

"The Marine Corps Warriors League's policy states that membership may not be denied based on race, religion, sex, creed, or national origin," said Andrew (Andy) Pucek, past commandant of the Marine Corps League Costa Rica.

Among its community projects, the organization assists the U.S. Embassy's Marine Security Guard Detachment and organizes the annual Toys 4 Tots Christmas event.

"Since 2014, the Marine Corps League Costa Rica has collected and distributed more than 6,000 toys to children across the country," Pucek said.

People interested in supporting the toy drive can contact the organization at +506 8721-6636, +506 8582-2505 or +506 8605-3912.

More information about the organization and other veterans' activities in Costa Rica is available on the Marine Corps Warriors League website.

The British and Canadian embassies in Costa Rica typically mark Remembrance Day on social media by sharing images of red poppies, the symbol of remembrance inspired by the World War I poem "In Flanders Fields," written by Canadian Lt. Col. John McCrae.

This year's embassy commemoration took place early Wednesday morning at the National Park in San José. British Ambassador Edward John Stevens, Canadian Ambassador Ioanna Sahas Martin and other representatives laid a wreath at the National Monument.

The Costa Rica National Monument, a sculptural ensemble created by French artist Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse and inaugurated in 1895, is considered the country's most important monument.

It symbolizes the Central American nations' victory over filibustering forces that sought to conquer the region between 1855 and 1857, representing a tribute to peace and freedom.

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the holiday to honor the fallen soldiers of World War I.

In 1954, Congress officially changed the holiday's name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.

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Should the expatriate community in Costa Rica organize an official event to commemorate Veterans Day and Remembrance Day? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com