Five Things: Observing Veterans Day

1. Observing Veterans Day: Technically, Veterans Day was yesterday, but there are closings and observances today. So here's a little about the holiday, originally known as 'Armistice Day' on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of WWI. According to the U.S. Census website: "Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars."

2. What's Open and Closed: Because of the holiday, the public schools, town offices and Cary Memorial Library are all closed. Many banks are also closed, but some local branches may be open.

3. Local Ceremonies: The annual Veterans Day Parade along Massachusetts Avenue steps off at 10 a.m. this morning at the Police Station and then stops to lay wreaths at monuments in front of Cary Hall, at the Visitor's Center, next to Buckman Tavern and on the Battle Green before returning to Cary Hall for indoor, including the 2012 essay contest winners, at 11 a.m.

4. Soup Bowls for Hunger: One-of-a-kind bowls created by members of the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society's teen pottery class and Ceramics Guild potters are currently on sale for $15 at nourish restaurant. Nourish will also contribute the cost of the soup, and all proceeds will to go to Lexington Food Pantry.

5. Sunny and Warm: Should be mostly sunny today, with a high of 68, according to the National Weather Service, which predicts increasing clouds overnight and a low of 51.