Newton to hold Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 11

The City of Newton announced the program for its 2026 Veterans Day observance, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11, at American Legion Post 440, 295 California St.

A donation drive begins at 10 a.m., with the ceremony starting promptly at 11 a.m. Residents are asked to donate used cell phones, healthy snacks, food, drink mixes or coffee to support troops. Each person or family who donates will be entered into a raffle to win a tablet, with the winner announced at the conclusion of the ceremony.

The program includes welcome remarks from Seth A. Bai, director of Veterans Services and a retired U.S. Marine Corps member, followed by a presentation from the Newton Police and Fire Honor Guard. Ji Jeong will sing the national anthem, and Newton Scout Troops will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Jack Stone, a Navy chaplain, will give the prayer.

Mayor Marc C. Laredo will deliver remarks, followed by Veterans Day remarks from Cmdr. Donald Gentile of the U.S. Army. Sgt. 1st Class Scott MacDonald of the U.S. Army will serve as keynote speaker. Bai and Laredo will present city commendations before Bai announces the raffle winner. The ceremony will close with TAPS, performed by bugler John Moriconi.

Distinguished honorees named in the program include MacDonald; Paul Lipsett of Jewish War Vets Post 211; Austin Baker of Post 440, a Desert Shield veteran; Donna Cottens, president of American Legion Auxiliary 440; Kevin MacNamara of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 440; and Doug Botelho, representing the City of Newton and the U.S. Air Force.

Source: City of Newton announcement, November 3, 2026.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.