VETERANS’ DAY 2025 IN BEVERLY, SALEM AND BEYOND (WINTER 2025)

It was 11.00 am at the Vietnam Memorial Plaza in Beverly’s Ellis Square on Tuesday 11 November 2025. 

 The city’s 2025 Veterans’ Day Ceremony took place at ‘the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, commemorating’, as Beverly Councilor At-Large Julie Flowers put it, ‘the 1918 signing of the Armistice that ended World War I’. 

 As always, she wrote, ‘it was a powerful and moving way to honor and thank our Veterans, as well as to take time to remember those serving our Country now’.  
 

Veterans Day, on 11 November, originally called Armistice Day but re named in 1954, honors all veterans, living and dead. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, began after the 19th century American Civil War to honor fallen soldiers, and is observed on the last Monday of May. Both are patriotic holidays honoring America’s military. 

Some people might find this confusing, but there is a major difference between the two. ‘Memorial Day is not about
thanking veterans,’ explains Salem resident Patrick Drosner. ‘Memorial Day is about remembering those that gave their lives for the greater good. It is a much more somber remembrance of a much deeper gift from someone in the armed services. Veterans'  Day is the day to thank veterans. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who gave their lives.’   

And in the UK where 11 November is still called Armistice Day? They do things a little differently. 

 ‘Today’, reads a statement from Budleigh Salterton Town Council, ‘we pause to remember all those who served, sacrificed, and gave their lives in the cause of peace’. ‘This morning, the Town Council will take a moment to pause and reflect — and we invite everyone in our community to do the same, wherever you are. Together, in silence, we remember. We will remember them.’ But there is also Remembrance Sunday. 

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