Veterans Day events in Boston pay tribute to veterans, and to Boston's military history and fight for freedom.

Not just one, but two 2020 Veterans Day Parades, a special Harbor cruise to Fort Warren to explore Boston's military history, and several other special events to honor veterans mark the occasion.

Veterans Day sales in Boston provide large discounts; this is your best chance to shop for gifts on sale before the frenzy of Black Friday holiday shopping.

The holiday marks the anniversary of the November 11, 1918 signing of the Armistice, the agreement to end the fighting during World War I, once called the "war to end all wars."

Veterans Day is always observed on the Armistice anniversary, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls.

In 2020, Veterans Day takes place on Wednesday, November 11.

Veterans Day is an official Federal holiday, which means Federal, state, and municipal offices, banks, and schools are closed in Boston, but most other businesses including stores and shopping malls are open (and most offer big sales and discounts).

Although Armistice Day initially honored just those who fought and died in World War I, its meaning was expanded after World War II and the Korean War to honor all veterans - and to be renamed Veterans Day.

Looking for other top Boston events during November? Check the November Events Calendar.

Boston's Two Veterans Day Parades

Boston's first Veterans Day Parade, kicks off at 12 noon on November 11 at the corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets.

The second Veterans Day Parade, known as the Veterans for Peace Parade, follows right behind the first parade to honor and celebrate the original intention for Armistice Day - a Day of Peace. Check November Calendar for parade start time and date updates

Both parades march around Boston Common along Boylston and Tremont Streets, and on to City Hall Plaza and the front of Faneuil Hall next to the statue of American Revolution patriot Samuel Adams, where you can hear a variety of speeches, anti-war poetry readings, and music.

Look for an assortment of military units, high school ROTC groups, honorary militias, marching bands, veterans' organizations, and - since this is Boston where we proudly carry our traditions forward - debate and dissent.

The Suffolk County Council/District 7 of the American Legion coordinates the parade with the city. For more information: (617) 303-5693

"Official" Boston Veterans Day Parade Photos

The Boston Police Pipes and Drum Corps leads the parade, playing stirring traditional and contemporary military music spanning the centuries.

This is the Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums - the Boston Police Department's bagpipe band.

The award-winning Gaelic Column performs at many local cultural events and parades, police officer funerals, and ceremonies. They have also performed in concert with the Dropkick Murphys.

These Active Duty marchers are part of the U.S. Navy crew who operate, maintain, and offer tours of U.S.S. Constitution in the Navy Shipyard.

Built in Boston in 1797, "Old Ironsides" is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world and is most famous for defeating a British frigate after a fierce battle during the War of 1812.

The U.S.S. Constitution is a popular Freedom Trail site. More about visiting the ship

These marchers are from OUTVETS, a fairly new Boston LGBT veterans organization (and the first in New England) dedicated to LGBTQ vets, active duty members, and their families.

Members are involved in community service activities here in the Boston area. They also - usually - march in the South Boston Saint Patricks Day Parade.

Boston Veterans for Peace Veterans Day Parade Photos

Boston's Smedley D. Butler Brigade of Veterans for Peace leads the second parade, following immediately after the first one.

Why two parades?

Some groups marching in the official Boston Veterans Day Parade didn't want Veterans for Peace, a group founded in 1985 to increase awareness about the price society pays to fight wars, to participate in their parade.

So every year, Veterans for Peace marches in a second Veterans Day Parade in commemoration of Armistice Day, separated from the first parade by about 3 minutes, 300 yards, and a police escort.

If you look closely, you may see marchers wearing hoodies emblazoned with a statement Veterans Day Parade marcher wearing hoodie with a statement attributed to Major General Smedley Butler, U.S. Marine Corps, "War is a racket. A few profit - the many pay."

Marchers in the second parade carry a variety of signs to promote finding peaceful solutions to settle conflicts.

If you look closely, you may see marchers wearing hoodies emblazoned with a statement Veterans Day Parade marcher wearing hoodie with a statement attributed to Major General Smedley Butler, U.S. Marine Corps: "War is a racket. A few profit - the many pay."

Boston Hotels Close to the Veterans Day Parade Route

If you are coming from out of town to march in or watch the Veterans Day Parade, here are hotels close to the parade route:

Veterans Day Cruise to the Boston Harbor Islands

Being almost 400 years old, Boston has plenty of military history - and this special Veterans Day cruise to Fort Warren on Georges Island provides an enjoyable way to learn about it while honoring our veterans, past and present.

The cruise stops at Georges Island for a tour of Fort Warren.

Once you reach Georges Island, Park Rangers will present a program about the military history of Boston Harbor from the American Revolution through the Civil War and up to the present time.

The cruise boats depart from the Charlestown Navy Yard and from Long Wharf on Boston's Downtown Waterfront.

Veterans, active duty military, and up to 3 family members go on the cruise for free. Everyone else pays $10. Sponsors of this wonderful event include the Boston Harbor Island Alliance, Arbella Insurance, the National Park Service, and the Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation.

Please note - this cruise takes place on Saturday, November 9, 11am-3:15pm.

More information: Reservations are required. Go online to sign up, register family members, and get additional tickets: https://www.bostonharborislands.org/calendar/

(The link should take you to a page that lists the Veterans Day Cruise - if you don't see it, check back later as it probably hasn't been posted yet.)

Old North Church Remembrance Day Ceremony

The Old North Church (193 Salem Street) in Boston's North End neighborhood will host its annual Remembrance Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 10th at 11am. The morning prayer service will be followed by wreath laying and a festive reception. The British Officers Club of New England will be present for the reading of In Flanders Field written about World War I by Canacian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. All are welcome.

Shop the Veterans Day Sales

Smart shoppers hit the Veterans Day sales hard! For best places to go, see our Columbus Day Sales suggestions.

Columbia Outlet stores (Wrentham Village and Assembly Row) offer military veterans (active and retired) 15% off their entire purchase. That's on top of the discounts and sales they already offer. Their Veterans Day Sale typically offers 40%-50% savings on all men's and women's outerware - so the combined discount over Veterans Day Weekend gives veterans a really great deal.

If you are a Veteran, Home Depot and Lowe's will give you a 10% discount on November 11. (Bring your government-issued military ID card; discounts apply to other days for most U.S. military; here is more information.)

Wrentham Village Outlets offer some of the biggest bargains on luxury brands - sale prices on top of the usual discounts but get there very early to avoid traffic and parking snarls. Or hop on one of the Wrentham Village buses from Boston and relax while someone else does the driving.

You can also find a closer discount shopping alternative at Assembly Row, 5 minutes (by subway) from Downtown Boston. Hop on the Orange Line and get off at Assembly station. Veterans Day sales at both Assembly Row and Wrentham Village Outlets usually offer 30% to 70% off the already discounted prices.

Freedom Trail Run

Freedom Trail Runs take place in Boston on just about every week (except during January and February), including the weekends before and after Veterans Day.

The guide-led run is actually a tour for runners, providing an active way to tour Boston's historic sites along a 5k course.

You'll run along the Freedom Trail from site to site, with stops at each landmark to learn about the site's history.

Tours depart at 2:30pm on Friday and 8:30am on Saturday and Sunday, and last about 2 hours. There is a fee, which covers the tour, the ferry ride back to Boston from Charlestown, a t-shirt, and a drink. There is no discount for Veterans (as far as we're aware), but if you're visiting Boston on Veterans Day Weekend, the run is a cool way to see these historic sites related to the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the fight to abolish slavery.

More information, including signup: www.freedomtrailrun.com

Volunteer for Veterans

Want to show your appreciation for the sacrifices that Veterans have made to keep our country strong? Volunteer to serve meals at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans at 17 Court Street in downtown Boston, just a few steps from the Freedom Trail.

Volunteers are needed every day to serve both lunch and dinner, and for other activities as well. You can volunteer as little as an hour, or for a full day - one time only, or on an on-going basis.

Call ahead to register at 617-371-1800, or register online.

Saying "thank you for your service" to a veteran is fine - but taking personal action to show your appreciation is even better!

Veterans Day Specials at Boston Attractions

Wang Theatre at Boch Center Tour (270 Tremont Street - 2 blocks from Boston Common) - Free admission to Veterans on November 11 to a behind-the-scene tour of the gorgeous Wang Theatre, including photos and memorabilia of rock and folk legends in the new Music Hall, part of the upcoming Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame. Hourly tours are available from 10pm - 4pm on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive at the ticket booth in the lobby 15 minutes before the hour. More information about the tour: https://www.bochcenter.org/tours

Boston Tea Party Museum & Ships (306 Congress Street) - Free admission for all Veterans, active duty military personnel, and police officers on November 11 - must show current ID for active duty or DD214 (proof of release from the military) at the door. More information about admission - 1-855-832-1773

More information about the museum

Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo - Free admission to Veterans on November 9-11, 10am - 3:30pm (closes at 4pm). You must go to the zoo's Admissions booth to get your free admission ticket (in other words, you can't get it online).

The Hall at Patriot Place (by Gillette Stadium in Foxborough) - Free admission to this fun sports museum for military Veterans and Active Duty military service members throughout the year - must show proper military identification. The Hall is closed on some days for private events as well as on some holidays - you can check the schedule here: https://www.patriotshalloffame.com/visit/admission/

Boston Bruins - Get a 20% off discount at the ProShop Powered by '47 at the Hub on Causeway and Gameday ProShop stores on Military Appreciation Night (date TBD) offer 20% off with a military ID, and a 10% at all other times. Also, look for the Official Boston Bruins Camo Veteran's Day Practice Jerseys at the ProShop Powered by '47 at Hub on Causeway.

DAV 5K Boston

The DAV 5K Boston is a run, walk, roll, and motorcycle ride that thanks those who served and raises awareness of issues faced daily by ill and injured veterans. It also features a shorter walk/run option of 1 mile or less.

This fundraiser supports Boston area events to help veterans and their families, and is sponsored by USAA and a number of other organizations. It raised over $200,000 last year and has a goal of $130,000 this year.

The event takes place on Castle Island (2010 William J. Day Blvd), and starts at 9am on November 7 this year. Check-in is at 7am.

Registration is required. More information

Veterans Specials at Boston Restaurants

If you're a veteran or active duty military, local restaurants want to thank you. You will need proof of your status, such as a military ID, photo of yourself in uniform, or other proof of service. Unless otherwise noted, these Veterans Specials are for November 11 only.

McCormick & Schmick's (Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Park Plaza Boston locations) offers veterans and Gold Star honorees (parents and spouse) a complimentary lunch or dinner entree from a special menu (ie, no big steaks). Reservations are a must - find details on the M&S website at: http://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/featured-promotion/Veterans-Day.aspx

Blue Ribbon BBQ - (Arlington, Dedham, and West Newton locations) - Free sandwich with 2 sides to all veterans and first responders; must place order in restaurant to receive discount

Bruegger's Bagels - Free small drip coffee for veterans and active duty military with ID/proof of service on Veterans

Dunkin' Donuts - Free doughnut for all veterans and active duty military

Starbucks - Free coffee for veterans, active duty military, and spouses

Yard House - Free appetizer for veterans and active military

Chili's: Free entree from select menu for veterans and active duty military

Ninety Nine - Free "real size entree" with purchase of another entree for veterans and active duty military from 11am - 4pm

Tuscan Kitchen - Free 3-course meals for veterans and military professionals along with a guest from 11am to 4pm. at Burlington, Seaport and Portsmouth locations

Chipotle (283 Washington Street on the Freedom Trail, plus many other Boston locations)- Buy one, get one free; valid for all military personal and veterans - you need to show ID

Where to Stay for Veterans Day Weekend in Boston

Use this Boston hotel map from Booking.com to find great rates:

More about how to save on Boston hotels

Go to the North End for Ravioli

Ravioli gained status as the traditional Veterans Day food after President Woodrow Wilson invited 2,000 hungry returning soldiers to the White House to dine on ravioli (newly trendy at that time due to advances in commercial canning) in 1918.

Carry on the tradition by heading to Boston's North End where most of the Italian restaurants along Hanover and Salem Streets will have ravioli - or other equally delicious pasta - on their menus. More about Boston Italian restaurants in every neighborhood.

More Boston Veterans Day Weekend Suggestions

Coming to Boston for a 4-day weekend including Veterans Day? Here are suggestions about a few more things to do:

More to Do in Boston in November

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