Veterans Day Ceremonies and Holiday Hours

U.S. Veterans Affairs

An image of the 353rd Infantry in France taken two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect.

Veterans Day falls on Monday, Nov. 11, and will be observed as a state and federal holiday.

The federal holiday is to commemorate the service of the nation's military veterans in ensuring peace.

It was first known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In recognition of the efforts of World War II veterans, President Eisenhower in 1954 signed legislation creating Veterans Day with the goal of honoring all American veterans.

The Veterans Day National Committee choses a commemorative poster each year (as seen above) from submitted artwork.

Closed on Monday, Nov. 11:
Some federal and local offices
Some public schools
BRTA buses routes are not running, offices closed; service resumes on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Public libraries

Open:
Most retail outlets, groceries
Restaurants and bars, by choice
Convenience stores
 

Veterans Day Parades, Ceremonies and Other Celebrations

North Adams Remembers Pearl Harbor, Honors Local Veterans

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:10PM / Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Legion Senior Vice Cmdr. David Levesque emcees of event.

 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — American Legion Post 125 held a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony to mark the events of Dec. 7, 1941, and honor veterans and Legionnaires who have made a difference in the community.

 

Before commencing the ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 7, state Rep. John Barrett III read a citation from the governor naming Legion member Dennis St. Pierre as the recipient of the American Patriot Award.

 

"Dennis has done so much for so long for so many veterans," Barrett said. "He made sure his friends were never forgotten and, more importantly, he never stopped giving … he was always there when someone needed him, and if he wasn't there he always made sure somebody would be there."

 

Wayne Soares, actor and veterans advocate, as well as a columnist for iBerkshires, presented St. Pierre with a bronze eagle statue and offered a few personal words.

 

"I have known him since I was 18 years old. With Bob Cellena [co-owner of the State Street Tavern with St. Pierre] he has been the biggest brother I never had," he said. "He has supported me through countless experiences … In a world filled with takers, he has always been a giver. He has been a force in my life."

 

St. Pierre, surprised, accepted the award.

 

"I don't have a whole lot to say because I am blindsided," he said. "Thank you all for being here."