The Veterans Day parade is underway in South Portland, while an audience is just gathering in Portland for the 10:30 a.m. kickoff of the annual parade here.

With a brisk breeze and bright sunshine, police say they expect healthy crowds to help honor veterans for their military service.

South Portland's parade began at 10 a.m. at Southern Maine Community College at Broadway and ends with a service at American Legion Post 35.

Portland's parade will start at 10:30 in Longfellow Square and end at Portland City Hall. A noon ceremony is planned at Fort Allen Park for the rededication of the USS Portland memorial.

Elsewhere, the L&A Veterans Council is holding its annual Veterans Day Musical Tribute at the Lewiston Armory at 10 a.m.. At 1:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, the council will unveil an additional stone inscribed with the names of veterans who died in service.

Other events today include free phone calls for veterans at the Togus VA Medical Center, sponsored by U.S. Cellular; a free car wash for active military, veterans and reserves at Sudzie Autowash in Scarborough; and free admission for veterans to the Owls Head Transportation Museum.