MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Communities across the Monadnock Region will come together Tuesday to honor U.S. military veterans with ceremonies, parades, luncheons, and community activities marking Veteran’s Day.

Veterans Day, first observed as Armistice Day, marks the end of World War I at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Today, it honors all U.S. military veterans, past and present.

Keene
The annual Veteran’s Day ceremony in Keene begins at 11 a.m. at Keene Parks and Recreation Department’s newly-ADA-accessible Memorial Garden at the Rec Center on Washington Street. Veterans, families, and community members are invited to attend, followed by the city’s traditional luncheon at the Rec Center from noon to 2 p.m. The event celebrates veterans of all service branches and offers a chance for community fellowship.

In addition, the Keene Out of the Darkness Walk, organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in partnership with Ruck-Up, will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Central Square. This 3.3-mile walk aims to raise awareness about veteran mental health and suicide prevention, offering veterans and community members an opportunity to connect while supporting a vital cause. Free coffee and donuts will be available at St. Bernard’s Church until 10:30 a.m., and pizza will be provided to veterans and active service members at the walk.

Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge
The Cathedral of the Pines will hold a Veteran’s Day service beginning at 10:45 a.m. inside the Hilltop House. U.S. Naval Reserve and New Hampshire State Representative Captain Lynne Blankenbecker will serve as guest speaker. The Rindge Veteran’s Association will present the Color Guard, Gun Salute, and Taps. Readings from Abraham Lincoln’s letter and In Flanders Fields will be delivered by Trustee Emeritus Don Upton. Refreshments will follow the service.

Peterborough
Peterborough’s observance begins with a Remembrance Day Service at 9 a.m. at All Saints Church, 51 Concord Street, led by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Walters. Veterans from all service branches, United States Naval Sea Cadets, the American Heritage Girls, and local community members will participate. Coffee and donuts will be served in the Parish Hall afterward.

The town’s Veterans Day parade begins at 10:30 a.m. on Main Street at Veterans Way and continues to the library bridge for a Sea Service, followed by a main ceremony at the Peterborough Town House at 10:45 a.m. Speakers will include Lauren Martin and John Franklin, with patriotic performances by the South Meadow School Band and American Heritage Girls.

Jaffrey
In Jaffrey, veterans will gather for a parade at 10:15 a.m. at Community Field, with step-off scheduled for 10:40 a.m., proceeding to the Town Common. The ceremony includes a prayer, wreath laying, and an address by VFW Post 5613 Commander Dale Smith. Veterans and active service members are encouraged to participate, and transportation assistance is available by calling 532-8765.

West Swanzey
 The Corning Keene C-Vets will provide a complimentary breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Community Church of West Swanzey, followed by lunch hosted by the church from noon to 2 p.m. Veterans and families can attend at no cost; community members are welcome to donate.