Veterans Day on Cape Cod

Veterans Day is held annually on November 11 as a way of honoring the contributions of those who have served in the United States military.

The date of Veterans Day is significant, as, on November 11, 1918, Germany signed an armistice agreement, unofficially ending World War I. The United States began celebrating Veterans Day in 1919 as a federal holiday where all non-essential government buildings are closed.

Veterans Day is about displaying your gratitude for the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military. Attending one of these events shows that you remember our past conflicts and appreciate the efforts of the soldiers.

Here is what you need to know about Veterans Day on Cape Cape in 2019.

 

Ceremonies and Gatherings

There are special ceremonies and events in towns all over the Cape. We'll mention some of the larger ones here, so you know what kinds of options you have when getting out there to honor our veterans.

The National Cemetery at Bourne will host Operation Flags for Vets on November 9 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. This event will involve placing flags on the graves of fallen soldiers who are buried on Cape Cod. Flags are available on-site for a $20 donation, and the goal is to place 77,000 flags in honor of these heroes.

Also on November 9, Cape Cod Harley-Davidson in Pocasset will host a military appreciation event where attendees are encouraged to bring toiletries, food, and other items to send to the troops currently overseas. The event runs from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM and is free, although you can purchase lunch from the Lobster Trap while you're there.

On November 11, St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Barnstable Village will host a special event starting at noon. This gathering is meant to show respect for our veterans and active-duty military and will include music and speeches. Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms, as well. A reception will follow the gathering at Walden Hall.

The Chatham Community Center will have a Veterans Day Ceremony starting at 11:00 AM on November 11. Members of the Chatham Coast Guard, American Legion, and Chatham VFW will participate in the ceremony. A similar event will take place at Island Pond Cemetery in Harwich, and Quashnet School in Mashpee will also host an event on Friday, November 8, at 10:15 AM.

 

Special Breakfasts on Veterans Day

At least two restaurants on Cape Cod are holding Veterans Day breakfasts on November 11.

In Falmouth, there is a meal being served at the Flying Bridge Restaurant at 8:00 AM. This breakfast is reserved for veterans of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard, along with their spouses or assistants, and is completely free. Keep in mind that veterans will need to reserve a seat beforehand.

Clancy's Restaurant in Dennis Port is doing something similar on November 11 by offering breakfast to veterans and gold star families. The breakfast starts at 8:00 AM, and no reservations are required. This meal is also free for those who have served.

 

Veterans Day Concerts

The annual Veterans Day concerts on Cape Cod have become a tradition, and are well worth checking out throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, November 9, there will be a free concert to commemorate the veterans at the Yarmouth Port Library. The show gets underway at 2:00 PM and will feature a performance by The Northside String Band.

There is another concert the next day, also at 2:00 PM at the Cape Cod Irish Village in Yarmouth. This event will feature music by The Paddy Murphy Quartet, along with Sarah Swain and the Oh Boys. Admission is free.

 

Remember the Troops on Veterans Day

As you can see, you'll find plenty of things to do on Veterans Day, but it's about more than entertaining yourself on this special weekend. Veterans Day is about remembering everyone brave enough to go into battle and stand up for the freedoms that we enjoy to this day.

Veterans Day is an excellent chance to show individuals who have served in conflicts all over the world that we remember their contributions and recognize the sacrifices that they made.

If you have a couple of free hours on Veterans Day weekend, make sure that these people feel your support and know that the residents of Cape Cod appreciate everything they've done.