For the last nine months, commemorating Veterans Day has been the mission for volunteers Robert White and Sharon Boyer. On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, their efforts materialized into a parade, celebration, and luncheon.

“We began working on this day back in March,” Boyer said. “We will meet again in a week or so to go over what we did well and where we can improve, and then we’ll take time off for the holidays.”

Boyer, White and the Veterans Council met every Thursday since March to put the event together. The festivities gave residents an opportunity to appreciate their veterans.

“Today instills the patriotism from the older generations to younger ones,” veteran Frank Carmichael said.

“Seeing the children at the parade, that was why we served,” chaplain Ervin Russell said. “Children should come away with an inspiration in the country.”

Veterans Day was commemorated in Wareham starting with a parade featuring veterans, active military, a band, fire trucks, and much more. The parade began at Besse Park, finishing at Town Hall.

At Town Hall, a celebration was held where Grand Marshall James Bruce was honored, and speeches were given by numerous military members and local figures.

“2,261: this is a number that I ask you to remember today and carry into the future with you. It is a number this town can be very proud of. Over the last 269 years of the 275 that this town is going to celebrate next year, 2,261 citizens of Wareham have stood ready to give life itself into the hands of this nation,” Bruce said. “This wonderful community continues to be there when needed for the nation and its citizens. I am so happy to call this town home.”

The celebration also included the singing of the National Anthem by Miss Teen Massachusetts, Amy de Silva.

State Representative Susan Williams Gifford of Wareham spoke at the event.

“What you may not know is that the commonwealth of Massachusetts is the leader in the nation when it comes to providing services and benefits to our veterans, our active duty military and their families, but that doesn't mean we’re content to just rest on our laurels,” Gifford said. “We have a lot more to do.”

Gifford then explained that the Valor Act II passed through the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate. The act will expand benefits for service men and women.

After the celebration, a luncheon was held where veterans were served first. Plenty of people attended the luncheon, though, including Wareham High School’s Junior ROTC program.

The program is overseen by Sherri Hudson and Mark Gabriele.

“Veterans Day lets these kids know that military service is a proud and noble profession,” Gabriele said.

“Everyone that served should be appreciated,” Ron Dunham said, marching with the Wareham Historical Community- who dressed in 1812 military attire. “Those young guys from Iraq and Afghanistan a good feeling from the claps.”

Parade watchers clapped for many different reasons.

“The parade was awesome because of the police cars and ambulances,” Jacob Fournier said, watching the parade conclude. “I’m also thankful for the veterans because they served our country and protected us.”

“The parade was awesome because it was in remembrance of veterans who served in the war,” Shane Oliver said, watching with Fournier. “It’s great that we respect them enough to give them a parade. They fought for our country. They fought for our freedom.”