What is Veterans Day?
Veterans Day is observed annually, and always on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The US Department of Veterans Affairs’ website notes that the day “is a time to honor America’s military veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Natick.Veterans.Day
EVENT: Veterans Story Walk
DATES: Nov. 5-13, Natick Common
DESCRIPTION: The 2nd Annual Veterans Storywalk will feature more than 155 local veterans’ stories in a week-long installation celebrating the sacrifices and diverse experiences of those who served in the armed forces. This public exhibit pays tribute to the hundreds of veterans from the area who have shared their stories with the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project over the past 28 years.
The Storywalk will commence with a Ribbon Cutting on Nov. 5, 1pm-1:30pm, and will thereafter be open to the public through Nov. 13. The Storywalk consists of a series of signs installed along the sidewalks of Natick Common, each linking to the oral history of a veteran from the community. The project highlights the courage, service and personal histories of area veterans, making their lived experiences accessible to all.
“We are deeply grateful to the veterans who have generously shared their stories,” said Miki Wolfe, Library Director at the Morse Institute Library. “Their voices enrich our community’s understanding of military history and public service, reminding us all of the sacrifices so many have made for our country.”
The Veterans Oral History Project actively collects stories from veterans, and welcomes new stories to the collection. To share your story, please visit natickveterans.com or email NatickVets@minlib.net.
Readings in the Natick Public Schools
DATES: Nov. 5 or 6
TIME: 10am-11am
DESCRIPTION: Volunteers are welcome to read in the classroom, and help teach students the importance of Veterans Day. Volunteers are required to undergo a CORI check. Contact: Grace O’Donnell, volunteer services manager, 617-500-2632, godonnell@natickma.org.
Veterans Breakfast
DATE: Friday, Nov. 7
TIME: 8am-10:30am
LOCATION: Kennedy Middle School, 165 Mill St.
DESCRIPTION: Students from Kennedy’s eighth-grade class will share breakfast and stories with local veterans. Co-sponsored by Natick Public Schools, Natick Veterans Council, Natick Veterans Oral History Project, Natick Veterans Services Office, Morse Institute Library and Roche Bros. Supermarket.
Veterans Day Parade
DATE: Tuesday, Nov. 11
DESCRIPTION: The parade will form at 8:30am behind the Police and Fire departments on East Central Street. The parade will begin at 9am and proceed up East Central to West Central; left on Forest; left on Pond; left on Main to East Central to the Morse Institute Library for ceremonies.
Units will include those from the Police and Fire Departments; elected officials; Natick High School and American Legion Bands; veterans groups; scouts; and more.
Ceremonies begin front of the Library at approximately 10am, and will conclude with “Taps;” the National Anthem with the NHS band; and closing remarks by Veteran Services Director Paul Carew.
Veterans Lunch, after the parade
DATE: Tuesday, Nov. 11
TIME: 11:30am-1pm
LOCATION: Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central St
SPONSORS: Charles River Rotary Club, the town’s Veterans Services and Community Services departments, Natick Firefighters Local 1707, and American Legion Post 107.
What’s open and closed on Veterans Day in Natick
Natick Town Hall will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, November 12 for all town departments. Please check department webpages for specific times.
Natick Public Schools will be closed on Nov. 11.
Morse Institute & Bacon Free libraries will be closed on Nov. 11. See more on librarys’ hours here.
There is no regular residential mail service on Nov. 11.
Find out if your waste and recycling pickup schedule is affected by a holiday.
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