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Berkshire County Declares Veterans Day a Holiday, Closing Most Offices

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  Published in Business and Finance on Saturday, November 8th 2025 at 13:50 GMT by Berkshire Eagle
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Berkshire County Observes Veterans Day with Holiday Closings: What Residents Need to Know

Berkshire County announced that it will observe Veterans Day, November 11, as a county holiday, resulting in the closure of most county offices, the courthouse, and other public facilities. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to honor the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans while ensuring that essential services remain accessible to residents who may need them during the holiday.

Official Holiday Schedule

On Veterans Day, all county offices—including the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public Safety, and the County Clerk’s office—will be closed. The Berkshire County courthouse will also be closed, except for the limited “emergency” and “court of record” cases that may need to be processed. The county’s public libraries, which usually remain open during weekends, will be closed as well, but the county’s digital library resources will remain accessible.

County employees who normally work on Veterans Day will receive paid time off. “We are honoring the bravery and dedication of our veterans by giving our county staff a day off,” said County Administrator John Smith. “We also want to remind everyone that many local businesses and government offices observe the holiday, so it’s essential to plan ahead.”

The holiday schedule is the same as for the President’s Day holiday observed in February. All services will resume on the following Monday (November 12). However, a few county agencies that provide 24‑hour emergency services, such as the 911 dispatch center and the emergency medical services (EMS) dispatch, will remain operational at all times.

Impact on Residents

For residents, the closures mean that routine matters—such as renewing a driver’s license, filing taxes, or obtaining court documents—will need to be rescheduled. Those who need to file for a divorce, apply for a passport, or obtain a permit should plan to visit the relevant office before or after the holiday.

Key Services That Will Remain Open

• Emergency Services: The 911 dispatch center and the county EMS will continue to operate 24/7.
• Health Clinics: The Berkshire County Health Department’s clinics will remain open during their normal hours. The department has advised residents to call ahead if they need to schedule a new appointment or a routine check‑up.
• Public Safety: Police, fire, and emergency response teams remain fully operational. County Police Department’s main office will close at noon on Veterans Day; however, patrol units will still be on the streets.

Local Business Closures

Many businesses throughout Berkshire County have opted to close in observance of Veterans Day. The county’s Chamber of Commerce, a coalition of local businesses, reported that over 70% of its members will be closed for the day. “It’s a tradition we’ve maintained for years—our employees deserve a day to rest and, for many, to honor family members who served,” said Linda Torres, president of the Chamber.

The county also noted that several retail establishments and restaurants will operate on reduced hours, typically closing by 5 p.m. to allow employees a short break. Restaurants in the county seat of Pittsfield, which usually offer dinner service until 10 p.m., will close at 8 p.m. or earlier, depending on the location.

Veterans Day Memorial Service

In recognition of the holiday, the Berkshire County Historical Society has scheduled a Veterans Day memorial service at the County Courthouse Plaza on Saturday, November 18. The event will include a moment of silence, the playing of the national anthem, and the laying of wreaths by local veterans and their families. County officials encourage all residents to attend or to broadcast the ceremony live on the county’s public-access television channel.

The memorial will feature a keynote address by the County’s Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, who will discuss the county’s support programs for veterans—including housing assistance, job training, and mental health services. Veterans and their families will also have the opportunity to visit the county’s Veterans’ Hall of Honor, a collection of photographs, letters, and personal items donated by local veterans over the past century.

How to Prepare

Residents planning to travel during the holiday are advised to book accommodations early, as many hotels in the area will be operating on reduced staff. The Berkshire County Tourism Bureau recommends that visitors schedule visits to popular attractions—such as the Berkshire Museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, and the scenic Appalachian Trail—well in advance. For those requiring court services, the County’s online court docket system allows residents to file certain requests electronically, minimizing the need to visit in person.

The county’s website, which houses the holiday schedule and links to all county agencies, provides a calendar view that highlights the day’s closures. County officials have also launched a “Veterans Day FAQ” page to address common questions about the holiday’s impact on services. Residents can find the FAQ at https://www.berkshirecounty.gov/veteransday.

Looking Ahead

The decision to observe Veterans Day as a county holiday aligns with the county’s commitment to honoring those who served in the armed forces. The closures, while temporary, provide a meaningful pause that allows residents to reflect on the freedoms secured by veterans and to appreciate the day’s significance.

County officials anticipate that the holiday will strengthen community ties. “Our county’s spirit is built on mutual respect and shared gratitude,” said County Administrator Smith. “Veterans Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to support those who have given so much.”

The next county holiday, the Christmas holiday, will follow a similar pattern of closures. Residents are encouraged to review the full holiday calendar on the county’s official website to stay informed about upcoming days when services may be limited.