Tuesday’s Veterans Day observance at the American Legion Post 440 in Nonantum brought together a conflagration of local officials, newly elected city representatives, members of the Newton Police and Fire Departments and residents from across the community to pay tribute to those who have served in the armed forces.

“On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, one hundred and seven years ago, the guns feel silent on the Western Front as the Allies and Germany signed the armistice that ended the fighting in Europe in World War I,” Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said in her opening remarks.

“Each year, at that hour and at that date, we gather here at the American Legion Post 440 in Nonantum to remember and to honor–and to ensure that we never forget [our veterans],” Fuller said, referencing her late father, Alan Schwartz, who enlisted to serve in the Navy during World War II. She expressed her gratitude for being able to be a part of the proceedings for the past 16 years, both as a city councilor and as mayor.

She also observed a moment of silence for the late Setti Warren, who served in Iraq as a Naval Intelligence Specialist from 2007 to 2008 before returning home to run for office.

“He was devoted to the public, and he believed profoundly in the power of the government and the armed forces as a force for good.”

Lt. Giovanna DeVito, a Newton native serving in the United States Navy, was the keynote speaker.

“Veterans day is a reminder that our service is part of the 250-year history of our nation,” she said. “We remember those who gave everything, the members of our military who could not grow old because they offered their lives in defense of their loved ones and their values.”

In the spirit of a Veterans Day tradition that she had learned at the Naval Academy, where midshipmen would read the citation of a Medal of Honor recipient, she recalled the story of Lt. Commander Thomas Gunning Kelley.

Born and raised in Boston, Kelley served as a surface warfare officer before volunteering for service in the Vietnam War. In 1969, while commanding a River Assault Division, he risked his life to save his men when a boat malfunctioned during an operation, putting his boat in the way of heavy incoming fire and receiving severe injuries.

“As active-duty service members, we honor those that served before us. Kelley’s sacrifice and dedication to duty demonstrate the true meaning of service,” De Vito said.

Several attendees were also honored for their service to the country and to local veteran communities, receiving commendations from the city.

In a reversal of the previous year, when Fuller presented Newton’s Veteran Services Director and retired Marine Sgt. Seth Bai with a commendation for his work, Bai presented Fuller with a folded flag to honor her service as mayor.

American Legion Post Commander Donald Gentile and the American Legion Post 440 received a check for $60,000 from Sons of the American Leader Adjutant Paul Pasquarosa and an event planning committee that he had put together to plan a casino-night fundraiser.

Here are some photos from Tuesday’s ceremony.

Newton Veterans Services Director Seth Bai speaks at the city’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025. Photo by Alex Degterev

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, left, and VFW Post 440 Commander Don Gentile, right, present a proclamation to Navy Lt. Giovanna DeVito, a Newton native, at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025. Photo by Alex Degterev

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, left, and VFW Post 440 Commander Don Gentile, right, present a proclamation to Police Chief and Marine veteran George McMains at Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025. Photo by Alex Degterev

Newton honors veterans at its Nov. 11, 2025 Veterans Day ceremony. Photo by Alex Degterev

Service dogs sit patiently through Newton’s Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025. Photo by Alex Degterev