Local towns to honor military members during Veterans Day observances Published Nov. 3, 2015 By Jessica Casserly 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The local towns surrounding Hanscom will honor military service members during several Veterans Day observances to be held Nov. 11. "Veterans Day is an opportunity to not only show pride in America, but also our gratefulness to those who served," said Randy Bergeron, 66th Air Base Group historian. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, has been celebrated on Nov. 11 since 1919, when then President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed it a day "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service." The following are a sampling of events taking place around the area. Bedford Veterans Day Ceremonies The town of Bedford will host their annual Veterans Day ceremonies at 12 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park on Great Road in Bedford. The ceremonies will include music by the Bedford High School Marching Band, comments from state and local officials, a wreath presentation and a dedication of the Veterans Memorial Park sign. In case of inclement weather, ceremonies will be moved to the Bedford High School Auditorium. For additional information contact the Bedford Patriotic Holiday Comittee at 781-275-2464. Concord Veterans Day Flag Retirement Ceremony The town of Concord's annual Veterans Day flag retirement ceremony will take place at 8 a.m. in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery on Bedford Street in Concord. The ceremony will begin with a parade from the cemetery entrance to the flag pole, where an American flag will be raised. The parade will then continue to the ceremony location, where the Concord Fire Department, members of the Boy Scouts and Concord veterans will retire worn flags collected over the past year. For additional information, contact the Concord Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee by email at cpccc@concordma.gov. Lexington Veterans Day Parade and Ceremonies The town of Lexington's annual Veterans Day events will begin with a parade, which will step off from the Lexington Police Station promptly at 10 a.m. The parade will make several stops along the parade route to place wreaths at the Korean/Vietnam War Monument, the WWII Memorial, the Soldier's Monument, the Revolutionary War Monument and the MIA/POW Memorial. The parade will end at Cary Hall at approximately 11:10 a.m. and will be immediately followed by a formal ceremony. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled and the ceremony will be held at Cary Hall at 10 a.m. A decision regarding weather will be made by 12 p.m. Nov. 10. For event updates, contact the Lexington Town Hall at 781-698-4640.