Newton's Veterans Day ceremony will take place Wednesday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 440, 295 California St.
The event opens with a donation drive at 10 a.m. Residents who bring items for troops will be entered into a raffle to win a tablet. The city is collecting used cell phones, healthy snacks, drink mixes and coffee, according to the city's announcement. The raffle winner will be announced at the end of the ceremony.
The ceremony itself begins at 11 a.m.
Seth A. Bai, director of Newton Veterans Services and a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, will deliver welcome remarks. The Newton Police and Fire Honor Guard will present the colors, followed by the national anthem performed by Ji Jeong.
Newton Scout Troops will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Jack Stone, a U.S. Navy chaplain, will offer a prayer.
Mayor Marc C. Laredo will give remarks, followed by Veterans Day remarks from Cmdr. Donald Gentile of the U.S. Army. Sgt. 1st Class Scott MacDonald of the U.S. Army will deliver the keynote address. Bai and Laredo will then present city commendations. Bugler John Moriconi will close the program with Taps.
The city named seven distinguished honorees for the ceremony. They include MacDonald as keynote speaker; Paul Lipsett of Jewish War Vets Post 211, who served in the U.S. Army; Austin Baker of Post 440, a Desert Shield veteran who served in the U.S. Army; Donna Cottens, president of American Legion Auxiliary 440; Kevin MacNamara of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 440, who served in the U.S. Army; Doug Botelho, representing the city of Newton, who served in the U.S. Air Force; and Anthony Pelligrini, recognized as a community action leader.
If you go
- What: Newton Veterans Day Observance
- When: Wednesday, Nov. 11. Donation drive at 10 a.m., ceremony at 11 a.m.
- Where: American Legion Post 440, 295 California St., Newton
- Bring: Used cell phones, healthy snacks, drink mixes or coffee to support troops and enter the tablet raffle
