The Greater Boston area is ready to honor those who’ve served the country this Veterans Day, from free coffee and doughnuts to new citywide tax breaks to solemn ceremonies on the day.
On Monday, state leaders will honor Massachusetts veterans with an annual ceremony at the State House. The event will kick off at 11 a.m., featuring a military POW/MIA remembrance candle lighting and taps, a performance by the Lynn ROTC and a musical salute by the 215 Army Quintet.
The Healey administration will present the Captain Thomas Hudner Jr. Valor Award and the Captain Thomas Kelley Community Engagement Award to two honorees during the ceremony.
This Veterans Day, Boston is set to honor the former military members with an increased property tax exemption for Boston veterans aiming to increase affordability and housing ownership opportunities, signed by Mayor Michelle Wu on Saturday.
“Our veterans and their families risk everything and sacrifice to ensure Boston and our country is free and safe,” Wu said in an announcement Sunday. “As the cost of living increases, we’re proud to stand with our colleagues on the City Council and at the State House to help our veterans make a home here in Boston.”
The increase, proposed by Councilor Brian Worrell and passed by the City Council in October, aims to bring the property tax exemption up to the increased cost of living.
The mayor also announced the another round of Veterans Services’ Bridge the Gap Mini-Grant Program on Sunday. The grants total $200,000 to support local organizations that work with veterans and their families.
Several local companies are also looking to show veterans support for the holiday. Among others, vets can get free coffee or any 24 ounce beverage at Aroma Joe’s and a free doughnut at Dunkin on Monday.
At Bar Louie locations, veterans with military ID can get a burger on the house for the holiday. A local East Bridgewater butcher, Crocetti’s, will be setting up a tent to hand out hundreds of free turkeys to veterans from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 378 Pleasant St.
“My family has always had a true admiration for the bravery and selflessness of each and every veteran,” business owner Carlo Crocetti said Sunday. “This November, we want them to feel and know that they are truly appreciated by us and the community. This is a small way for us to be able to show them just that.”
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