Wellesley recognized Veterans Day on Monday during a ceremony at Town Hall at which around 75 attendees paid their respects to those who have served in all branches of the United States military. Originally called Armistice Day, Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 each year because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918.

In 1954, the holiday’s name was changed to “Veterans Day” to honor all vets, living or deceased, in all wars. “We must honor and remember and celebrate those who are here today and those who are not,” said Joe Olivieri, Wellesley’s Veterans’ Graves & Ceremonial Officer. Oliveiri served two tours with the Marine Corp., one in Afghanistan in 2002 and one in Iraq in 2006.