2019 Veterans Day Events In MetroWest, Worcester Areas

MILFORD, MA — Cities and towns across Massachusetts will celebrate the 81st Veterans Day on Nov. 11, including some unique events in the Worcester and MetroWest area. Framingham will host a bus tour of city war memorials, while towns like Natick and Milford will host Veterans Day parades.

Veterans Day was made an official U.S. holiday in 1938, according to the Department of Defense. The holiday started as a celebration of the end of World War I, but became a celebration of living veterans — Memorial Day is meant to celebrate people who gave their lives during wartime.

A reminder that Veterans Day is a federal holiday, so schools and government buildings are closed. Some businesses may also be closed.

Here are local events sponsored by local cities and towns happening on Veterans Day.

Natick

Natick Veterans Day Parade — Nov. 11, 9 a.m. The parade begins at Morse's Tavern, 85 East Central St. From there, the parade head toward the Morse Library. Keynote speaker is Brigadier General Vincent Malone of Natick Soldier Systems Center.

Framingham

Veterans Day Tour — Nov. 11, a free bus tour will visit war memorials in Framingham. There will also be a Veterans Day ceremony at Nevins Hall. Here's the schedule:

• 8 a.m. — Assemble at the rear of Memorial Building 150 Concord St. for the bus
• 8:20 a.m. — Service at LTJG Clifford S. Carter Memorial at Dudley Rd. & Mt. Wayte Ave. (WWII)
• 8:40 a.m. — Service at Buckminster Square (Revolutionary War)
• 8:45 a.m. — Service at Memorial Library at Center Common (Civil War)
• 9:15 a.m. — Service at Cpl. James J. McGrath Square (WWI)
• 9:30 a.m. — Refreshments at the Rousseau Garage at 1 School St.
• 10 a.m. — Service Sgt. Malen W. Barker Memorial at 1 School St. (Korean War)
• 10:15 a.m. — Service at Veterans Park on Concord St. (All Wars)
• 10:30 a.m. — Time permitting - Service at Sgt. Stanley J. Yurewicz Square on Hartford St. and Grant St. (Vietnam)
• 10:45 a.m. — Return to Memorial Building at 150 Concord St. for Medal of Liberty Ceremony and Celebration program
• 11 a.m. — Medal of Liberty Ceremony and Celebration at Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building at 150 Concord St.

Milford

Veterans Day Ceremony — Nov. 11, Milford will hold two main Veterans Day events this year. A parade will kick off at 10 a.m. beginning near the IHOP restaurant off Route 109. After the parade, the Milford Medal of Liberty Committee and Citizens for Milford will host a ceremony at Draper War Memorial Park.

Wayland

Wayland Veterans Day Program — Nov. 11, 10 a.m. The program begins at Trinitarian Congregational Church featuring the Natick Soldier Systems Center Color Guard and patriotic music. Wayland High School graduate Lt. Joseph Carroll will speak. Carroll is a Navy officer who serves on the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier. At noon, there will be a service at the Wayland Veterans Memorial at the Town Building recognizing Wayland residents who died during wartime.

Marlborough

Marlborough Veterans Day Parade — Nov. 11, 10 a.m. The parade will begin at about 10 a.m. in front of the American Legion on Maple Street, and then proceed down Main Street. Parade route ends at the Marlborough Doughboy Monument.

Worcester

Veterans Day Ceremony — Nov. 11, 8 a.m. Join Mayor Joseph Petty, the City Council, and City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. for a half day of events. The schedule is:

• 8 t0 11 a.m. — Pancake Breakfast at Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St.
• 11 a.m. to noon — Veterans Day Parade along Grove Street
• 1 to 2 p.m. — Wreath-laying at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial at Green Hill Park
• 1 - 2 p.m. — Korean War Veterans Recognition at the Korean War Memorial, 52 Foster St.