By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — The North Reading Veterans Department is finalizing plans for a memorable Veterans’ Day tribute with two separate events in town on Saturday, November 11.
The traditional Veterans’ Day ceremony will be begin promptly at 11 a.m. at the top of the town common, near the flagpole and the town’s war memorials. All are welcome to attend and pay tribute to the veterans of all wars by recognizing the sacrifices they and their families and loved ones have made to enable them to serve in the military.
“This year I am working to put emphasis on all the veterans, warriors, children, and military families, especially how deployments affect children and families,” commented Veterans’ Director Susan Magner. “A story of veterans in our neighborhood will be read to the children.”
The North Reading Police Department Honor Guard will be present, along with the NRHS Marching Band, buglers and singers, the Patriot Guard, local VFW Post, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, local officials and clergy. For additional information, Magner invites people to call the town’s Veterans Department at 978-357-5211.
Veterans Dinner Social
Additionally, the 13th annual Veterans Dinner and Social returns to Ultra Chic at the Hillview Country Club, 149 North St., on November 11 from 5-9 p.m. (doors open at 4:30 p.m.).
All veterans and their families and friends are invited to attend the dinner at the reduced cost of $20 per person, which is half price thanks to the generosity of donations received by the Veterans Event Committee and Veterans Department.
The ticket price includes appetizers, plated dinner, cash bar, entertainment and raffles. The JROTC Marine Corps Cadets of Beverly and Salem will perform a moving ceremony and various guest speakers will address the audience. The goal is to provide an opportunity for local military families and veterans from the area to form bonds of support by getting to know one another in a comfortable and enjoyable setting “and perhaps form wonderful friendships in the process,” Magner said.
To purchase tickets, call 978-357-5211. There will be assigned seating at the dinner so please specify when requesting tickets if you would like to sit with specific individuals. All tickets must have a name assigned to them.
To sponsor a veteran’s ticket send a check payable to “N. Reading Veterans Gift Acct” and mail to: NR Veterans Department, 235 North St., North Reading MA 01864.