Veterans are some of our nation’s most courageous people and every year we take a day to thank them for the sacrifices that they’ve made for our nation. This weekend, take part in these Boston-area events to commemorate the men and women who fight for our freedom.
1. Veterans Day parades
Every year, rain or shine, the city of Boston hosts a parade on Veterans Day. This year, the festivities begin at 1 p.m. on Boylston and Charles Streets and continues throughout the downtown area. Right on the heels of that is the Veterans for Peace Parade, an event organized to honor the holiday as a day of peace. Both parades end at City Hall Plaza on Saturday, plus you can hear a variety of speeches, poetry readings and music in front of Faneuil Hall next to the statue of Revolutionary-era patriot Samuel Adams.
Get an in depth look into wars of the past at Fort Devens this Veterans Day. Visitors can walk through the process of identifying the remains of U.S. soldiers declared missing in action during World War II. You can also hear a historical narrative that combines poetry, prose and letters that reflect the brutality of WWI. The event will end with a speech from William S. Glazier II, a frontline anti‐tank gunner who fought in WWII.
The museum is honoring the men and women who fight for our country by partnering with Operation Gratitude to have guests create “survival” bracelets that will be sent to deployed troops overseas and first responders here at home. Visitors can also write a thank you letter that will be included in one of the 100,000 care packages that Operation Gratitude sends out each year. Admission is free throughout the weekend for all active duty, retired and reserve military personnel.
4. Disabled American Veterans 5K Run
This run, walk, roll and motorcycle ride in Boston on Saturday is hosted by the non-profit Disabled American Veterans to thank those who served and raise awareness for injured veterans. Before the race begins at 9 a.m., grab a cup of coffee, pick up goodies and giveaways from sponsors and visit the red carpet to meet some inspiring local veterans and service members. Afterwards, continue the celebration at a post-event party with the veterans and their families. Registration is free for all veterans at dav5k.org.
5. Sip, Support and Salute
Between Nov. 10 and 12, you can pour one out in support of our veterans. Johnnie Walker, the Scotch whiskey brand, will donate to the non-profit Hire Heroes USA to support veteran communities and encourages you to try their signature cocktails, The Liberty and Old Glory. You can support Sip, Support and Salute by trying the cocktails during Veterans Day weekend at over a dozen locations in Massachusetts, including The Rising in Cambridge, O’Neill’s and Brodie’s Seaport in Salem, as well as Union Street in Newton.
