Veterans Day Ceremonies and Holiday Hours / Williamstown.com

Veterans Day falls on Monday, Nov. 11, and will be observed as a state and federal holiday.

The federal holiday is to commemorate the service of the nation's military veterans in ensuring peace.

It was first known as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I at the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In recognition of the efforts of World War II veterans, President Eisenhower in 1954 signed legislation creating Veterans Day with the goal of honoring all American veterans.

The Veterans Day National Committee choses a commemorative poster each year (as seen above) from submitted artwork.

Closed on Monday, Nov. 11:
Some federal and local offices
Some public schools
BRTA buses routes are not running, offices closed; service resumes on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Public libraries

Open:
Most retail outlets, groceries
Restaurants and bars, by choice
Convenience stores

Lineup will take place 9:30-9:45 a.m. on Fenn, Pearl and Allen streets, departing from City Hall at 10 a.m.

A ceremony will follow at the memorial, with opening remarks from Mayor Peter Marchetti. The master of ceremonies will be Woody Vaspra from American Legion Post 68. The officer of the day is Tyrone Belanger of the Vietnam Veterans of America, James E Callahan, Chapter 65. The event will also recognize Joseph DiFilipo as the Berkshire Veterans Coalition's Veteran of the Year.

Pittsfield Community Television will televise the parade and ceremony on CityLink 1303, PCTV Select available at pittsfieldtv.org and its Facebook page.

North Adams: The Veterans Day parade steps off from American Legion Post 125 on American Legion Drive at 10:40 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, and marches to the Veterans Memorial on Eagle Street. Participants are asked to arrive at the Legion by 10 a.m.; doughnuts and coffee will be available beginning at 9:30. All veterans and veterans groups are welcome to march.