More than you really want to know about Wellesley, Mass.
It got loud and exciting in the skies over Wellesley on Saturday afternoon, as Navy FA-18 Super Hornets flew overhead during practice runs before the Army-Navy college football game taking place in Foxborough.
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Veterans, town officials, public safety department personnel, and the general public attended a Veterans Day ceremony in front of the War Memorial at Wellesley Town Hall on Saturday morning to honor those who have served. Veterans and families were treated to a breakfast beforehand at the library across the street.
The event included music, poetry, a prisoners of war/missing in action ceremony, a history of the federal holiday, and more.
The event was organized by the Wellesley Celebrations Committee.
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Friends of Wellesley Veterans, along with the Wellesley Celebrations Committee, invites all Wellesley veterans, active military, ROTC, and their families to enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet in their honor on Saturday, Nov. 11, 9:30am, at the Wellesley Library, 530 Washington St. RSVP here, or text 781-929-9095.
Following the breakfast, the entire community is invited to attend a ceremony honoring all veterans on Saturday, Nov. 11, 11am, in front of the War Memorial at Wellesley Town Hall. (Rain location is at the Wellesley Free Library).
The ceremony will recognize retired military personnel, and includes guest speakers; the Wellesley Police and Fire Department honor guards; members of American Legion Post 72; and a special POW ceremony.
Veterans Day is observed annually, and always on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The US Department of Veterans Affairs’ website says the day “is a time to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Most Wellesley municipal buildings and departments will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day.
The Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF)
Wellesley Free Library (main, Hills, and Fells)
Regular business hours will resume on Monday, November 13 for all town departments. Please check department webpages for specific times.
Wellesley property tax discounts ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars are available to qualified veterans and surviving spouses.
Applications must be filed annually with the Board of Assessors within three months of the mailing of the third quarter tax bill (see application below, along with information guide).
If you think that you qualify, notify the Board of Assessors at (781) 431-1019 x 2272. Supporting documentation, including a certificate of eligibility from the Department of Veterans Affairs and all other materials which will help the Board of Assessors make a determination, will be requested.
If you were granted an exemption last year, the Board of Assessors will send you a renewal application. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that a renewal is filed each year.
First quarter property tax bills are due Aug. 1.
Wellesley will honor all Veterans on Friday, Nov. 11 with a ceremony outdoors at the War Memorial in front of Town Hall along Washington Street (the event will will indoors to the Great Hall if there’s inclement weather).
The annual Veterans Day program will begin at 11 a.m., and all are welcome.
While Town Hall will be open during the program, all departments and offices will be closed for the holiday.
Memorial Day observances in Wellesley took place in front of Town Hall at the War Memorial on Monday evening. The moving ceremony included a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a rifle salute by the Wellesley Police Department, the presentation of the War Memorial scholarship awards, patriotic songs, poetry readings, and more.
The Veterans Services department is seeking volunteers to assist with Wellesley Memorial Day preparations.
On Friday, May 20 at 3:45 p.m. volunteers are needed to help place flags on veterans’ graves at Woodlawn Cemetery (148 Brook Street). Please contact Graves and Ceremonial Officer Joe Oliveri at 774-292-9932 to participate.
On Monday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. the Town will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony outdoors at the Wellesley War Memorial in front of Town Hall. The community is invited to attend and honor the service of our military heroes.
This always moving service includes a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, a rifle salute by the Wellesley Police Department, patriotic songs, and more.
Wellesley will honor its Veterans on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11a.m. with observances in front of Town Hall.
This year’s event will take place on the lawn in front of the Wellesley War Memorial along Washington Street. If it rains, the event will be moved into the Great Hall of Town Hall.
Observances will include recognizing retired military personnel, guest speakers from local colleges, Wellesley Police and Fire Department honor guards, members of the American Legion Post 72, as well as a prisoner of war ceremony and retiring of the flag.
The community is invited to attend this event and support all veterans.
Please note: Wellesley municipal buildings and departments, including the Recycling and Disposal Facility, are closed on Veterans Day.
This film commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion of Normandy, France. After a year of raising funds and finding D-Day veterans who could muster the strength to travel, this was filmed in June 2019 on the sacred beaches of Normandy. We look forward to sharing this documentary with all of you. A film that reveres those heroes — some from a different land who gave their lives — but to remember those who were lucky enough to live through it all. It also is to honor those French residents of the first generation, who lost their lives in the Invasion and those who survived and carried on the spirit year after year. The second generation has been taught by their parents to never forget the sacrifices that were made. The veterans who visit Normandy over the years can attest to the hospitality of these caring and loving people.
On the 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, observances were held at the Wellesley Hills Fire Department Headquarters to honor and remember the 2,977 civilians and first responders who died on that day.
Addressing a crowd of about 80 Wellesley residents, first responders, and town officials, Select Board Chair Tom Ulfelder said, “Today marks the anniversary of the most lethal attack on American soil, when nineteen terrorists from half a world away hijacked four commercial aircraft and turned them into weapons that rained death on New York City, the Pentagon, and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. That terrible day brought changes large and small that effect every facet of American life. Seventy million people living in the United States had not yet been born on September 11, 2001, but there are many living now who are haunted by memories that stalk them in unguarded moments.”
Wellesley residents who lost their lives in the attacks were named: Neilie Casey; Edmund Glaser; Patrick Quigley; and John Cahill.
Select Board members Lise Olney, Beth Sullivan Woods, Tom Ulfelder, and Colette Aufranc also were in attendance at the ceremony.
(We’ll add a link to Wellesley Media’s recording when it’s available.)
