As Veterans Day approaches, residents across Massachusetts are preparing to celebrate servicemembers with parades, remembrances, special events, and more. The holiday, originally known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. This year, it honors all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on Tuesday.
Although Boston hosted its annual parade on Saturday, many towns—including Lexington, Westfield, Fall River, Quincy, Natick, and Fairhaven—will hold local parades and ceremonies on Veterans Day itself. In Boston, Governor Maura Healey, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, and other officials will join veterans from across the Commonwealth for an annual ceremony in the Great Hall of the State House at 11 a.m. Past ceremonies have featured award presentations, the playing of taps, ROTC performances, and a POW/MIA remembrance candle lighting.
The United States Marine Corps is also marking a milestone this year: the 250th anniversary of its founding by a resolution of Continental Congress on November 10, 1775. The Marine Veteran Foundation of Cape Cod hosted an annual birthday celebration on Saturday in Hyannis, bringing together veterans to honor the branch’s enduring legacy.
On Monday, the 11th Annual Veterans Town Hall takes place in Marblehead, featuring U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton. “This non‑partisan, community‑centered gathering provides veterans with a platform to share how their service shaped their lives and offers the broader community an opportunity to listen, learn, and connect,” Congressman Moulton said.
On Tuesday, veterans have a unique opportunity to celebrate at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough with the New England Patriots. This event, which requires advance registration, allows veterans to “test their gaming skills against players from the New England Patriots,” along with complimentary food and drinks.
Chelsea Veterans Services will host a gathering, lunch, and a speaker from the Wounded Warrior Project early Tuesday at Clark Avenue Middle School. In Jamaica Plain, residents can honor the spirit of service by volunteering with Community Servings and the New England Gator Club from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will help prepare meals for individuals and families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island living with critical and chronic illnesses.
This Veterans Day will also see the poignant return of Weymouth native Private Alfred Thomas Langevin, U.S. Army, after more than 80 years. Pvt. Langevin was killed in action during World War II and had been classified as Missing in Action since 1944. His remains returned home over the weekend and received a dignified transport to Keohane Funeral Home in Weymouth.
On Monday, the public is invited to join the Langevin family, the Town of Weymouth, fellow veterans, and community members to welcome Pvt. Langevin home and pay tribute at a funeral procession and burial with full military honors. The stipend awarded to Keohane Funeral Home to manage Pvt. Langevin’s services will be donated to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, with encouragement for others to donate in recognition of his service and sacrifice.
The funeral procession will begin from McDonald Keohane Funeral Home at 10 a.m., passing through Jackson Square where Pvt. Langevin was born. At 11 a.m., a graveside service and burial will be held at Fairmount Cemetery.
Veterans Day 2024 is a time to honor, remember, and thank all who have served—across the Commonwealth and around the nation.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/09/veterans-day-events-across-massachusetts-set-to-honor-military-servicemembers/