Let Us Now Praise Our Veterans

On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, we are given the opportunity to take a deep, collective breath and say thank you to the men and women who have bravely served our country.

Here on the Vineyard we bear witness in many ways, beginning with a parade in Oak Bluffs. The parade recently received recognition as a special designation of regional importance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The parade steps off at 10:45 a.m. from Our Market, continues to the monument at Ocean Park, and finishes at the VFW, located at 14 Towanticut avenue. Lunch and refreshments will be served.

For information about this event, call 508-693-9261.

In West Tisbury there will be a rededication of the World War II monument, which was moved a few weeks ago from the triangle entering into town to a more accessible spot outside the town hall.

The ceremony begins at 12:30 p.m. and three Island veterans, John Mayhew, Clifton Athearn and Nelson Bryant, are expected to take part in the event. John Alley will also speak and a police color guard will round out the afternoon.

At 5:30 p.m. the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center’s will hold a Shabbat service for veterans. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend.

For more information about this service, call 508-627-7456.