Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
With Veterans Day celebrated on November 11, a Friday this year, an event-filled Veterans Day weekend is shaping up for residents.
“Bedford is a military community,” says Rev. John Gibbons, senior minister at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church on Bedford Common, “but often there is a disconnect between service members, veterans, and our community. Simply saying, ‘Thank you for your service’ is a welcome but insufficient gesture. Somehow we must find ways to hear our veterans, honor the truth of their diverse experiences, and reintegrate veterans into our community.”
The Town of Bedford’s Official Ceremony
Friday, November 11 at 12 pm, at Veterans Memorial Park
The Town of Bedford’s ceremony will honor all veterans who have served their country in peacetime and in war. The onservance begin at 12 PM at Veterans Memorial Park on the Great Road (next to Bedford Funeral Home) and will last about an hour. It will include an opening prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, a patriotic sing along, guest speakers, and the presentation of a special Veterans Memorial Wreath of Honor.
Attendees are invited to remember a special veteran in their lives by placing a flag on the Veterans Memorial Wreath of Honor, and sharing the name and military service of the honored veteran. Singing of our National Anthem, firing of volleys by Bedford HS ROTC, the sounding of TAPS by Bedford HS band members and a closing prayer will conclude our ceremonies.
Contact Paul Purchia (781-275-2464) for more information. Note: In case of heavy rains, outside park activities will be canceled and moved to the Bedford High School auditorium. Click to learn more, or add this event to your Google Calendar.
Veterans Day Dance
Friday, November 11, from 7 until 11 pm at the Bedford American Legion Post
The Bedford American Legion Post 0221 will host a Veteran’s Day Dance for singles and couples on Friday, November 11, 2016 from 7:00 to 11:30 PM in the Gennetti Function Room at the Bedford American Legion. The evening will include a DJ, dancing, a cash bar and light supper. Tickets are $10 at the door. The Bedford American Legion is located at 357 Great Road in Bedford, MA. For more information, please call the Members Lounge at 781-275-3140. Click to learn more, or add this event to your Google Calendar.
Special showing of Restrepo
Saturday, November 12 at 10 am, at the Lexington Venue Cinema
First Parish in Bedford, Unitarian Universalist, is hosting a public showing of the film Restrepo at the Lexington Venue Cinema at 1794 Massachusetts Avenue. In Restrepo, photographer Tim Hetherington and journalist Sebastian Junger allow the realities of war to speak for themselves in this un-narrated documentary about a U.S. platoon in Afghanistan. Click to learn more, reserve your movie seat, or add this event to your Google Calendar.
A Salute to Gold Star Families
Sunday, November 13 at 10 am, at First Parish, Unitarian Universalist, on Bedford Common
Gold Star families Carlos and Melida Arredondo, and Alma and Brian Hart, along with Rev. John Gibbons, will consider “What Veterans Day Means To Us and Our Community.” The Hart’s and Arredondo’s will consider how a community can support its veterans, mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and peacemaking. Carlos Arredondo is also known as the “Man in the Cowboy Hat,” a hero of the Boston Marathon bombings. Click to learn more, or add this event to your Google Calendar.
Acclaimed Author Sebastian Junger
Sunday, November 13 at 2 pm, at First Parish, Unitarian Universalist, on Bedford Common
Acclaimed author Sebastian Junger will speak at First Parish. Author of Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging as well as The Perfect Storm and other books, Junger was embedded as a journalist in Afghanistan. He addresses veterans’ issues and the state of community in American society.
The First Parish events will benefit the Arredondo Family Foundation whose mission is to empower military families in the prevention of military related suicides and to provide support through education financial relief and support services. First Parish is at 75 The Great Road on the Bedford Town Common. All facilities are handicapped accessible. For more information, please contact First Parish at 781-275-7994 or [email protected] — Click to learn more, or add this event to your Google Calendar.
54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment
Sunday, November 13 at 2 pm, at the American Legion Post 221, 357 The Great Road
The Bedford Historical Society in conjunction with American Legion Post 221 located at 357 The Great Road in Bedford is pleased to host a program about the 54th Mass. Infantry Regiment. This event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 13 and is presented by 54th Mass. Infantry Regiment re-enactors. The program is free and open to the public. Click to learn more, or add this event to your Google Calendar.
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