9 Ways Orgs in and Around Burlington Support Veterans in November and All Year Round

Veterans Day, held each year on November 11, is a day to honor those who have served and sacrificed for the country. In Burlington and nearby towns, community members are joining together through discussion, ceremonies, shared meals and more to commemorate the many members of the armed forces who have dedicated their lives for the safety and freedom of others. 

Christopher Hanafin, the Director of Veterans Services here in Burlington, said that people tend to confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day, but there is a clear distinction between the two. Memorial Day is a somber holiday to remember veterans that died during service, and Veteran’s Day is a day of celebration for anyone that has served the country. 

Hanafin emphasized the importance of taking the day to recognize the sacrifices and “service over self” put forth by veterans in Burlington and across the country.

A variety of events are planned in and around Burlington throughout the month of November to honor veterans and their families. Here are just a few.

11th Annual Veterans Town Hall, hosted by Congressman Seth Moulton. Gather with neighbors in nearby communities to engage in discussion and hear about the stories and experiences of veterans who have served. Non-veterans are invited to attend the event to learn and understand about the veterans within their own communities.

Details: Monday, November 10 at 6:30 PM | Abbott Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead, MA | Register here.

Francis Wyman School Annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony & Burlington High School Annual Veteran’s Day Assembly. Veterans, friends and family are invited to attend the annual ceremony at the Francis Wyman Elementary School in Burlington to honor those who have served and hear personal stories from veterans in the community and what it truly means to “serve.”

Francis Wyman Details: Friday, November 7 at 9:15 AM | Call the Main Office at 781-273-7613 if you are interested in attending.

BHS Details: Friday, November 7 at 9:00 AM | Call 781-273-7662 or email boari@bpsk12.org if you are interested in attending.

The Town of Burlington’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Hosted by the Town of Burlington’s Veteran Service Office and the Allied Veterans Council, honor those who served alongside other community members in Burlington.

Details: Tuesday, November 11 at 10:00 AM | Veteran’s Section of the Town Common (rain or shine)

Veteran’s Dinner in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, Navy & Marine Corps. Sponsored by the Allied Veterans Council and Middlesex Deputy Sheriffs Association, veterans, spouses, family and friends are invited to dine and honor those who have served in the military.

Details: Wednesday, November 5 at 3:00 PM | American Legion Post 273, 162 Winn Street, Burlington | RSVP is required and space is limited. Call at 781-273-7634 to sign up.

Boston Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade will travel down Boylston Street and to the Boston Common before ending at City Hall Plaza. Show support for veterans who have served and those on active duty, alongside 300-400 fellow marchers – an assortment of local high school ROTC groups, marching bands and veterans organizations – making their stride through Boston.

Details: Saturday, November 8 at 12:00 PM | The parade will kick off in front of the Boston Public Library located at 700 Boylston Street.

Candy Drive for the Troops. Donate your excess Halloween candy at the Burlington Veterans Services Office.

Details: Donate by November 14, 2025 | 61 Center Street, Room 203 | During regular business hours

In addition to these events taking place in the month of November, Post 1917 restaurant, with locations in Lexington and Reading, celebrates veterans throughout the year. In April of this year, the steakhouse released their Dining for a Cause initiative, donating some of their Tuesday night proceeds to different non-profits throughout the community. So far, the restaurant has worked to donate over $20,000 in funds to local veteran-based organizations, including the United Service Organizations (USO) in May, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in August and September, and Frost Call in October.

This month, they are raising funds for Homes for Our Troops, an organization that builds and designs homes for injured veterans of 9/11.

For a year-round grounding experience, Hanafin says Burlington's biweekly Veterans Breakfast is a highlight for him. He said that it can be scary coming from the military into regular everyday life again, but these events allow veterans to come together, share a meal and socialize with others who have common experiences. 

“We try to give the veterans in the community an opportunity to relight that camaraderie spirit centered around good food and good company,” he said.

Details: November 6 and November 20 starting at 9:00 AM | American Legion Post 273, 162 Winn Street, Burlington  

The Veterans Services office is open to support veterans throughout the year, and Hanafin says with a majority of the veteran population in Burlington being above 65, his office provides services to connect veterans with federal benefits, burial benefits, and assistance navigating healthcare and finances.

As the community gathers on this special day, visit Burlington’s Veteran Services website for more information about Veterans Day events and ways you can help the veterans in your community all year round.