Newton Veterans Day Observances

NEWTON, MA – Veterans Day is on Friday, and Newton residents will gather at the American Legion Post 440 to honor those who served and to pay tribute to local veterans.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day marks an armistice, or a temporary cessation of hostilities, between Allied nations and Germany during the first world ward. In November of the following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day.

However, Armistice Day was originally set aside to honor veterans of World War 1, but following World War 2 in 1954, Congress amended the act of 1938 by striking out the word Armistice and replacing it with the word Veterans. President Dwight D. Eisenhower later issued a Veterans Day Proclamation which stated:

"In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible."

Friday morning's ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the American Legion Post 440 with a donation drive co-sponsored by Cell Phones for Soldiers and Operation American Soldier. Donations consist of the standard care package items – batteries, baby powder, granola, ground coffee, razors, wet wipes, hygiene products and the like. Everyone who donates will be entered to win an iPad mini.

Parents are encouraged to bring children to the Cultural Arts & Crafts Station to create patriotic crafts to accompany the packages.

Following the drive, a Veterans Day program will begin at 11 a.m. with a welcome message from Mayor Setti Warren. Newton police officer Reid Larson, a recent academy graduate and Iraq veteran, will deliver remarks and the Newton Police Honor Guard, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts will be on hand for the event. Light refreshments will be served.

image: patch.com via shutterstock