Newton men and women have served the nation in battle since the nation was born. And on Thursday, the city paused for its annual appreciation of those men and women as the country marked Veterans Day 2026.

In November 1919, one year after hostilities ended in World War I, President Woodrow Wilson named the anniversary of that ceasefire Armistice Day to honor veterans of the Great War to be commemorated on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (President Dwight Eisenhower expanded it to include all veterans).

“And all of these years later, 108 years (after the war ended), we gather again at the same moment to remember those who fought to make that peace possible and to honor every single American who has worn the uniform and served our nation,” Mayor Marc Laredo said. “Today, we honor all of Newton’s veterans, and we also honor those who have supported them along the way—families, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, and we honor our friends and neighbors, the Massachusetts National Guard, and now the Space Force. Some are here with us today. Others are not, but they are remembered.”

This year’s keynote speaker was U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott MacDonald, a recruiter and military police officer who graduated from Newton North High School in 2014. Newton’s close-knit community, he said, is something he carries with him in service to the country.

“The Army has challenged me and given me many opportunities that I never expected to have,” he said. “It introduced me to people whose dedication and character I can admire, whether it be leaders, fellow service members, my comrades to my left and right.”

MacDonald has worked with the FBI and the presidential Secret Service, and he’s jumped with the Army Golden Knights. And as a recruiter, he’s helped shape the lives of tomorrow’s soldiers.

“Veterans Day reminds us that service reaches beyond the person in uniform,” MacDonald reflected. “Families share sacrifices. Communities support those who serve. And all of us can honor veterans’ stories because everyone is different. To every veteran here today, thank you for your service. To the families who stood beside you, thank you. And to the young people here today, you don’t have to wear a uniform to make a difference. Look for ways to help lead and care for the people around you.”

You can watch the entire ceremony on NewTV.

MORE IMAGES

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott MacDonald shakes hands with American Post 440 Commander Don Gentile at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Mayor Marc Laredo, left, and American Legion Post 440 Commander Don Gentile, right, present a certificate of commendation to Donna Forte Cottons of the Massachusetts American Legion Auxiliary at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 440 on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

American Legion Post 440 Commander Don Gentile presents a certificate of commendation to Austin Baker, U.S. Army Specialist, at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 440 on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Police officers and firefighters present the colors at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 440 on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Scott MacDonald speaks at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 440 on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Don Gentile, American Legion Post 440 commander, presents a certificate of commendation to Air Force veteran Douglas Botelho during Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 440 on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

Mayor Marc Laredo presents Paul Lipsitt, World War II veteran who served as an aviation electronics technician in the U.S. Navy, with a certificate of commendation at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony at the American Legion Post 440 on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle

American Legion Post 440 Commander Don Gentile speaks at Newton’s Veteran’s Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2026. Photo by Bryan McGonigle