WESTON, CT — Veterans Day is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with several opportunities around the area to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, both in times of war and peace.
Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is always observed on Nov. 11 to reflect the signing of the armistice ending World War I at 11 a.m. on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The observance was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include veterans who served in World War II and the Korean War.
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Here are some upcoming Veterans Day events you shouldn’t miss in the area; the date is Nov. 11, unless otherwise stated:
The town of Weston is hosting a full day of events for veterans. High points include a Veterans Day Breakfast: A free breakfast for veterans from 8:00 a.m. to 8:40 a.m., an assembly to honor veterans at Weston Middle School (parking is behind the school), a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the Weston Town Hall and a noon lunch at Weston High School, followed by a panel discussion with veterans from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The main Veterans Day event in Danbury is the annual ceremony at the Danbury War Memorial at 1 Memorial Drive on Nov. 11 at 11:00 a.m., which includes a march, speeches, and a wreath-laying.
The Bethel Veterans Day Ceremony, co-hosted by the Bethel Patriotic Association and the America 250 Bethel Committee, ceremony will feature a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The event kicks off Nov. 11 at the Bethel Town Green, 1 School Street, at 11 a.m.
In Ridgefield, American Legion Post 78 is organizing an event to honor veterans at Lounsbury House, 316 Main Street, at 11 a.m.
There will be a Veterans Recognition Ceremony in Newtown, honoring Newtown veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War at the Newtown High School Auditorium on Monday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m.
On Saturday, Nov. 8, beginning at 9 a.m. sharp, volunteers will gather to place more than 13,700 American flags at the graves of Connecticut's fallen heroes in honor of Veterans Day at the Middletown State Veterans Cemetery. The annual effort, staged rain or shine, ensures that "every veteran laid to rest on Bow Lane is visibly remembered." Veterans groups, Scout troops, youth organizations, and community members from across the state come together each year to take part in the "deeply meaningful act of remembrance." On Saturday, Nov. 15, volunteers will return at 9 a.m. to "respectfully" retrieve the flags, weather permitting, with a rain date set for Nov. 22. A Veterans Day ceremony will take place at the cemetery on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m.
Many national restaurant chains will offer deals or free meals for veterans on Nov. 11, including: