During the week of Nov. 11, communities across the nation will pay tribute to America's veterans in a variety of ways, from breakfasts to dinners to ceremonies and parades.

They will do so in an upbeat way rather than a somber way as on Memorial Day, according to North Attleboro Veterans Agent James McCann, who says many people are often confused about the difference between the two holidays.

To better understand the true purpose of celebrating Veterans Day, McCann offers the following:

"The first use of the day was to formally end World War I. It was ended at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. Veterans Day was first called Armistice Day, but later renamed Veterans Day. This is a happy day to honor our living veterans.

"The flag is at full-staff and the mood is upbeat. This is the day that we as veterans can hear our nation say 'thank you, thank you, all of you men and women.' "There are no rifle volleys or 'Taps,' " as McCann says, "That honor is for Memorial Day, when the mood is somber and the flag is at half-staff to honor those taken in battle or with age.

"Our country needs these ceremonies to teach the need for service to country. So many of our citizens are now removed from that attitude.

"The All-Volunteer Armed Forces involves only 1 percent of the population; that defends us all. All our rights as citizens aren't worth the paper they're written on without people willing to die to keep them safe!"

In The Sun Chronicle readership area, Veterans Day observances will be as follows:

AttleboroCeremony - The City of Attleboro will forgo its annual Veterans Day parade this year in anticipation of a "bigger and better" Memorial Day parade in May, but will hold a Veterans Day ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The ceremony will take place at Capron Park in the Veterans Triangle and will feature a number of speakers and a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to commemorate the signing of the Armistice in 1918.

The master of ceremonies for the event will be Richard Fredette, commander of the Attleboro Veterans War Council, and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 91.

Breakfast - On Thursday, Nov. 6, the Attleboro Council on Aging will host its annual veterans breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Attleboro Elks Lodge at 887 South Main St. The event is open to all Attleboro veterans age 60 and over, and will feature a program on "Wilson and the Great War" presented by Stonehill College Professor Gary Hylander. The fee for the breakfast is $1, and those who wish to attend are asked to register in person with Darlene Young at the Rev. Larson Senior Center at 25 South Main St.

Foxboro

The town will offer its Veterans Day program at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Lawrence W. Foster Post 93 American Legion Hall on Mechanic Street, where members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2626 invite all veterans and their families to join them for presentations and refreshments. Citations will be presented with the assistance of state Rep. Jay Barrows, R-Mansfield, and state Sen. James Timilty, D-Walpole, to Foxboro residents who have served in any branch of the military from Sept. 11, 2001, to today. For those servicemen and women unable to attend, family members are invited to receive their citations.

The event is open to the public and also will feature a patriotic medley by the Serenading Seniors and a presentation on "Foxboro and Its Veterans" by Town Historian Jack Authelet.

Mansfield

The Mansfield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3264 invites residents to show their patriotic colors and march in the annual Veterans Day parade. Led by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3264 Color Guard, the parade will step off at 10 a.m. on Tuesday from Memorial Park on Hope Street and proceed in a circular route along North Main Street to the North Common and South Common for ceremonies at war memorials, and then back to the Memorial Park.

The parade will feature the Mansfield High School Marching Band, local and state officials, civic groups and Scout troops. In case of inclement weather, ceremonies will be held in the Mansfield High School gymnasium. An open house will follow immediately at Phillips-Welch Post 3264 at 88 Chilson Ave. for all veterans and their families, as well as the public, with free food and refreshments.

North Attleboro

At 4 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, the North Attleboro Veterans Services Department will conduct its traditional Veterans Day Ceremony at Barrows Park, intended to pay tribute to all veterans and also serve as a visible source of support to all U.S. troops currently in the field.

The ceremony also will include a rededication of Barrows Park, which has been completely renovated, with landscaping, irrigation, flagpoles, lighting and more.

State Sen. Scott Brown, R-Wrentham, state Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro, Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgkins and Chairman of Selectmen John Rhyno will be on hand to assist with the ceremony.

Norton

The Norton Veterans Council also will forgo its annual parade this year and instead hold a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, on the town common at Fillmore-Nason Square.

The ceremony will include color guard units from American Legion Post 222, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8049, the Norton Fire Department and the Norton Police Department as well as a firing squad from the 20th Regiment Massachusetts Company D Civil Re-enactors and the presence of local scout troops. Prayers will be offered by local religious leaders and guest speakers have been invited.

Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served at both American Legion Post 222 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8049.

Plainville

On Thursday, Nov. 6, at 8:30 a.m., the town's annual veterans breakfast will be held at the council on aging. The event is open to all Plainville veterans who may bring a guest. Out-of-town veterans will be put on a waiting list.

Veterans are welcomed to bring memorabilia to be displayed, including a photograph of themselves to be included on the Veterans Wall of Fame. The breakfast is free, but reservations need to be made by Tuesday, Nov. 4, by calling 508-699-7384.

Rehoboth

Pasta Night - On Sunday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m., the Sons of the American Legion will hold its 10th annual Veterans Day Pasta Night at the post. Tickets are $7. For more information, call the post at 508-252-9079.

Celebration - On Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., all residents are invited to participate in the Veterans Day celebration, which begins with a flag ceremony conducted by American Legion Post 302 at the flagpole, located at the corners of Danforth Street, Bay Road and Route 44.

Luncheon - Also on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at noon, the Rehoboth Triad will sponsor a free luncheon for all veterans in the town of Rehoboth at the Council on Aging on Bay State Road. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 508-252-3372.

Wrentham

Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9658 and American Legion Post 225 invite and encourage residents to show support for all veterans by attending a brief ceremony at the World War II and Korea/Vietnam monuments on the common. The ceremony will be held Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., the time the Armistice was signed to end World War I in 1918.

Janette Sears can be reached by phone or fax at 508-222-0993 or by e-mail at janette.boulay@gmail.com.