HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Many local towns surrounding Hanscom will recognize military service members during several Veterans Day observances Nov. 11.
“We celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the World War I armistice, which began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month,” said Randy Bergeron, 66th Air Base Group historian. “The timing of this holiday is quite deliberate in terms of historical fact, but somehow it always seems fitting the day comes for New England when the colors have lessened and the mornings invite contemplation. A day established to [recognize our] veterans is always warranted for a nation.”
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, remarks from state and local officials and a wreath-laying ceremony honoring veterans. In case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved to the Bedford High School auditorium. For additional information, contact the Bedford Patriotic Holiday Committee at 781-275-2464.
Concord Veterans Day Ceremony
The town of Concord will hold their annual Veterans Day flag retirement ceremony at 8 a.m. at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord. The ceremony will begin with a parade, which will assemble at the Pritchard Gate entrance on Bedford Street at 7:45 a.m. Due to current construction in the Author’s Ridge section of the cemetery, the parade will march to a different area of Sleepy Hollow for the 2016 ceremony. During the ceremony, the Concord Fire Department, members of the Boy Scouts and Concord veterans will retire worn American flags collected from Concord residents. For additional information, contact the Concord Public Ceremonies and Celebrations Committee by email at cpccc@concordma.gov.
Lexington Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony
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 proceed west on Massachusetts Avenue, circle the Battle Green and end at Cary Hall. The formal ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and will feature a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War and a recognition of Lexington as a Purple Heart Community. In case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled and the ceremony will be held Cary Hall at 11 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.
In addition to these local ceremonies, Hanscom will also hold the annual Salute to Veterans event Nov. 9 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hanscom Conference Center. The event will be hosted by the 66th Air Base Group commander and will focus on veterans who served honorably, whether retired or honorably discharged. The ceremony is open to all members of Team Hanscom. For additional information, contact Bobby Jacques at 781-225-1333.