This upcoming Monday, November 11th marks Veteran’s Day, and, as always, Boston has many events to pay respect to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Originally called Armistice Day, November 11th marks the date of the end of World War I. However, in 1954, it became known as Veteran’s Day, celebrating and honoring all American veterans.
Since Veteran’s Day is always on November 11th, many Boston events celebrating the holiday take place the weekend before. This year, Boston’s annual Veteran Day Parade is this upcoming Sunday, November 10th at 1 pm on the corner of Tremont and Boylston streets. There is also a second Veteran’s Day parade that starts right after the first, called the Veteran’s for Peace Parade. This march is to celebrate a day of peace and unity, as seen from the signs and banners that people walking in the parade carry to promote peace and non-violent solutions to war. Both parades march the same route, ending at the statue of Samuel Adams in Faneuil Hall where there are speeches, poetry readings, and more.
Another annual event in Boston is the Veteran’s Day Cruise. This year, the cruise will take place on Saturday, November 9th from 11:00 am to 3:15 pm. Leaving from Boston Harbor, this cruise includes a narrated boat tour to Georges Island, where you then go on a guided tour of Fort Warren. Fort Warren is a Civil-War era fort constructed from 1833 to 1861 to protect Boston. Many Union soldiers were trained there and it served as a prison for many members of the Confederate forces. After the tour, there are reflections on service as well as fun activities for families to enjoy! This cruise is free for veterans and up to 3 family members, so get your tickets today!
On Veteran’s Day, businesses and local attractions and communities will also show their appreciation by offering discounts or free meals. In Boston and nationwide, there are a number of restaurants participating, including deals like a free donut at Dunkins’, a free meal at Applebee’s and a free entree and drink at California Pizza Kitchen. Click here to see a full list of deals in the Boston area. From Saturday to Monday, Franklin Zoo and Stone Zoo are also offering free admission for veterans. Lastly, there are many local events to celebrate and commemorate veterans, including the Veterans Monument Conservation in Cambridge, Harvard Extension Veterans Day Celebration at Harvard, Veteran’s Day – Honoring Vets Service in Malden, and Veterans Day Commemoration & Exhibit in Newton to name a few.
Wherever and however you celebrate, we hope you enjoy the day. And to all of our hosts who are veterans – we thank you for your service!
