Boston Veterans Day Events for 2011

Best Things to Do on Veterans Day in Boston

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

A huge 2011 Veterans Day Parade, a special Harbor cruise to Fort Warren to explore Boston's military history, and special restaurant events mark the occasion.

Look for big sales and shopping events, including some veteran'-only discounts.

Traditionally, Veterans Day sales in Boston provide large discounts and the best chance to shop for gifts before Black Friday ushers in the frenzy of holiday shopping.

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.

Veterans Day events in Boston
F-86 Sabrejet from Korean War at Hanscom Air Force Base in Concord MA, 10 miles west of Boston

Veterans Day, always observed on November 11, marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice, the agreement to end the fighting in World War I in 1918, and has been celebrated since 1919.

Although initially honoring just those who fought and died in World War I, its meaning was expanded after the Korean War to honor all veterans.

Veterans Day Parade

Boston's Veterans Day Parade kicks off at 1pm on Friday, November 11, 2011 at the corner of Boylston and Tremont Streets, and winds its way along Boston Common and on to City Hall Plaza and Faneuil Hall, where there will be speeches and music.

Look for lots of military units, ROTC groups, honorary militias, marching bands, veterans' organizations, and - since this is Boston - political debate and dissent.

Enjoy this video of Boston's "official" Veterans Day Parade:

You'll actually get to see two Veterans Day Parades in Boston . . . the official parade, sponsored by the American Legion, and immediately following the street sweepers that normally mark the end of every Boston parade, you'll see members of Veterans for Peace marching in a second parade.

As you can see in this video, the debate about who should march in this parade gets lively!

Veterans Day Cruise to the Boston Harbor Islands - Friday, November 11, 2011

Join this special Veterans Day 4-hour trip to Fort Warren on Georges Island in honor of Veterans. 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 boat departs from Long Wharf on Boston's Downtown Waterfront, at 9:45am, but you should arrive 20-30 minutes early for check-in and boarding.

Veterans go on the cruise for free. Everyone else pays $5, with proceeds going directly for care packages to send to active duty soldiers serving overseas. The Boston Harbor Island Alliance, the Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, and other community groups will assemble and send the packages.

More information: Call 617-223-8666 for tickets; website

Shop the Veterans Day Sales

Smart shoppers hit the Veterans Day sales hard! Deals get better and better every year, as stores try to lure shoppers to start their holiday shopping early.

For best places to go, see my Columbus Day Sales suggestions.

If you're a veteran, Home Depot and Lowe's will give you a 10% discount.

Veterans Specials at Boston Restaurants

If you're a veteran or active duty military, several Boston restaurants want to thank you. You will need proof of your status, such as a military ID card, photo of yourself in uniform, or other proof of service.

Stop by UFood Grill at 530 Washington Street, Downtown Crossing (617-451-0043) or at 201 Brookline Ave in Landmark Center in Boston's Fenway neighborhood (857-254-0082), show your ID, and eat for free on Veterans Day. Enjoy delicious but nutritious burgers, wraps, paninis, and more - baked, steamed, or grilled, but never fried!

McCormick & Schmick's (Faneuil Hall Marketplace and Park Plaza Boston locations) offers veterans a complimentary entree from a special menu on Sunday, November 13. Reservations are a must, along with proper identification. Details on the M&S website.

Uno Chicago Grill (731 Boylston Street in Back Bay, 280 Huntington Ave in Fenway, and 22 Clinton Street in Historic Downtown Boston), famous for their deep-dish pizza, offers veterans and active duty military a 19.43% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages on Friday, November 11.

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 for a ravioli (newly trendy due to advances in commercial canning) dinner 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

Go ice skating on Frog Pond in Boston Common. Skating season starts on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011 . . . weather permitting. See November Events Calendar for schedule
Go cheer the Bruins at TD Garden on Saturday night - 7pm against the Sabres - schedule and ticket information