Veteran’s Day (this Friday, November 11th) is a federal holiday to honor the brave men and women of the American armed forces who risk their lives to protect our freedom. Veteran’s day celebrates all soldiers, of all branches of the military, during wartime or peace. The holiday’s primary purpose, however is to thank living veterans for their courage and contribution to our national security. What began as Armistice day in 1919 (commemorating the end of WWI) has grown into a holiday which honors military personnel of all wars and is celebrated throughout the United States with parades and public gatherings. Boston has its own special Veteran’s Day celebrations…take a look at what’s happening this weekend:
Veteran’s Day Parade
Boston celebrates Veteran’s day with not one, but two large parades in the city. The first Veteran’s Day Parade begins at 1:00pm on November 11th at the corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets. The second Veteran’s Day Parade (aka the Veteran’s for Peace Parade) follows right behind it to pay tribute to Armistice Day, a day of peace. So where should you watch? Both parades march around Boston Common, along Boylston and Tremont Streets and on to City Hall Plaza and the front of Faneuil Hall, ending in front of the statue of Sam Adams where you can listen to various speeches, anti-war poetry readings, and music. The parades are composed of different veteran’s organizations, high school ROTC groups, military units, honorary militias and marching bands.
Veteran’s Day Sales
If you’re a Veteran, many shops and restaurants will be offering sales and discounts to persons with a military I.D. If you are not a Veteran, a lot of sales occur Veteran’s Day weekend that you can take part in too! Wrentham Village Outlets offers some of its biggest bargains on luxury brands as many items are discounted on top of their usual discounted price. The store is easily accessible too, with the Wrentham Village Bus shuttling to and from the city. Assembly Row (Orange Line : Assembly station) has Veteran’s Day sales too! Typically 30% to 70% off of already discounted prices. A great way to get your holiday shopping done early without having to deal with Black Friday madness!
Ravioli??
Fun Fact: Ravioli is known as the traditional Veteran’s Day food since President Woodrow Wilson invited 2,000 returning soliders to the White House for a ravioli dinner in 1918 (once upon a time canned ravioli was a trendy dish due to advances in commercial canning) Carry on this tradition by enjoying some ravioli (though hopefully not from a can) in The North End!
