Armistice Day was first observed here in the United States in 1919 one year after the Armistice was signed bringing an end to World War I. The day was marked with the ringing of steeple bells through out the country followed by two minutes of silence.
Each year since then the President and Governors of each state have declared that on November 11 at 11:00 o'clock the citizens of the country and states are called to remember the valor and courage of the men and women who served in the military in defense of our country and her values.
This year is no different. We will remember our veterans while at the same time contending with the pandemic.
The schedule for November 11 is as follows.
- 10:15 The Alan Cheeseman Memorial at Pingree Field
- 11:00 The Veterans Day Ceremony at the Veterans Monument
The 11:00 o'clock ceremony will begin with the ringing of the First Church Steeple Bell. Vehicle traffic on Arbor Street from School Street to Main Street will be detoured from 10:55-11:20
The Board of Health states that the current protocols published by Governor Baker are as follows.
- Each person must wear a mask.
- Social distancing of 6 feet must be observed.
- As a low risk community, the gathering is limited to 100 people.
If anyone is hesitant to attend the ceremony in person the event will be live streamed on the Town's Facebook page.
We, the members of the Veterans Committee are grateful for the support provided by the town so that the Veterans Day Observance this year can proceed as it has in the past.
The next event sponsored by the Veterans Committee is Wreaths Across America which takes place at noon on December 19. At this time wreaths will be placed on the graves of our veterans.
I wish you well,
Captain Dean W. Pedersen USN Ret
Veterans Committee Chair
