Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony in San Jose (Photo: United Veterans Council of Santa Clara County)
This Veterans Day, communities across California are coming together to honor and celebrate the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces.
These are just a few examples of the exciting events happening throughout California to celebrate Veterans Day. Check with your local American Legion posts, community centers, or city websites for more information on celebrations near you.
If you know of any other Veterans Day events happening in your area. We would love to hear your comments.
(P.S.: Looking for Veterans Day 2023 discounts? See our hub, too.)
Auburn
The Auburn Area Veteran’s Day Parade is scheduled for 10:50 a.m. on November 11. The parade will begin at Lincoln Way and Cleveland Avenue in Downtown Auburn. The parade will travel down Lincoln Way and make a brief stop at Central Square, at the intersection of High Street and Lincoln Way. At this location, there will be a release of doves, a fly-over, a three-volley rifle salute, and the playing of TAPS to pay tribute to Veterans.
Bakersfield
The American Legion Post 26 in downtown Bakersfield is set to host the Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade is scheduled for Nov. 11 at 10 a.m., with a free meal for Veterans from 6:30 to 9 a.m. at the American Legion Post 26 at 2020 H St. Non-Veterans can enjoy the breakfast for $8. Lunch will be held after the parade at the American Legion Post 26 from noon to 2 p.m. The lunch is free for Veterans and $8 for a hamburger and $15 for a tri-tip sandwich for non-Veterans.
Carlsbad
The Army and Navy Academy and the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad will host their 15th annual Veterans Day Parade from 11 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11 at the academy’s Stephen M. Bliss Stadium, 2600 Carlsbad Blvd. The guest speaker is Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano. Highlights include a military parade, flyover of vintage war planes, a wreath presentation, and the playing of TAPS.
Clovis
The Clovis Veterans Memorial District, located at 808 4th Street in Clovis, invites the community to celebrate and honor veterans on Veterans Day. The events will take place throughout the day and are free and open to the public.
Coronado
The Coronado Island Film Festival honors Veterans with a screening of “The Gift” on Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. in the Coronado School of Arts, 650 D Ave. On Nov. 11 at 7 p.m., the Coronado Concert Band, Musica Vitale, and Crown City Chorale are presenting a musical Veterans Day Tribute Concert in Granzer Hall at Coronado Middle School, 550 G Ave. Admission to this event is free for retired and active service members and family.
El Cajon
The American Legion Post 303 hosts a Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at the flagpole by the courthouse in downtown El Cajon, near 250 E. Main St.
Elk Grove
The Annual Elk Grove Veterans Day Parade, hosted by American Legion Post 233, is scheduled to take place from 11:11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on November 11. The parade will commence by forming along Elk Grove Blvd and then proceed south to Elk Grove Park, located at 8820 Elk Grove Blvd.
Escondido
American Legion Post 149’s 4th Annual Escondido VetFest and Parade on Grand is scheduled for November 11. The parade will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m., and American Legion Post 149’s VetFest Celebration, including lunch, celebration, music, and more, will be held from 12 to 3:30 p.m. at 230 E Park Ave, Escondido.
Folsom
The Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade is set to occur from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on November 11. The parade will kick off by heading west on East Bidwell Street, then proceed north on Coloma Street and onto Natoma Street. An honor ceremony will follow at the Veterans Memorial in City Lions Park, located at East Bidwell Street and Montrose Drive.
Fresno
The Central Valley Veterans Day Parade will take place on Saturday at 11:11 a.m. in downtown Fresno. Opening ceremonies will take place at 9:45 a.m. in front of Fresno City Hall.
Lemoore
American Legion Post 100 Lemoore will host the Veterans Day Parade on November 11, 2023, at 6:00 PM. This free event allows attendees to pay tribute to local Military Veterans, and this year’s parade theme is “Hero’s One And All.” Many participants from the surrounding communities along with Naval Air Station Lemoore will be in the parade.
Merced
The Annual Merced Veterans Day Parade is scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m. at Bob Hart Square in downtown Merced.
Porterville
You can register for the Veterans Day Run & Walk happening on November 11 in Downtown Porterville starting at 7:30 AM. The event features scenic routes for the 10K run, 5K run, and 5K walk, with a free kid’s fun run happening during the race. Finishers of the course are invited to stay for Porterville’s Veterans Day parade happening right after awards are announced.
Rancho Bernardo
The Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial Association will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony from 10:45 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11 at the Rancho Bernardo Veterans Memorial, Webb Park, 11666 Avena Place. The event includes participation from Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Gen. J.P. Holland Chapter of the Military Order of World Wars, Boy Scout Troop 685, and the Westview High School Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. The keynote speaker is retired U.S. Magistrate Judge and Vietnam War veteran Col. Victor Bianchini, who served in the Marine Corps. Music will be performed by World War II Veteran Mary Beth Doss, who will sing the national anthem. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
San Diego
The Veterans Day Parade on November 12 at 11 a.m. will take place on North Harbor Drive between Grape Street and Ash Street. It will feature bands, floats, ceremonial vehicles, and marching units from organizations and military commands. The event will emphasize several military milestone anniversaries and will be streamed live at sdvetparade.org.
The Veterans Day Boat Parade during Fleet Week will take place on November 12, starting at 9:30 a.m. The parade features boats decorated in patriotic themes and will pass through various locations in San Diego Bay. The event includes vintage plane flyovers, live Coast Guard demos, and other patriotic activities. It will be livestreamed on the Fleet Week website at fleetweeksandiego.org and on Fleet Week San Diego on YouTube.
Military Family Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 11 at Broadway Pier, 1000 Harbor Drive. The event includes games, activities, goodies, an MRE Cooking Contest at noon, and a concert at 1 p.m. It is free for military families and the general public. A free shuttle will be offered round-trip from the Broadway Pier to the Coast Guard Open House at Coast Guard Sector San Diego. Visit fleetweeksandiego.org.
The USS Midway Museum hosts a “Salute to Service” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11 with live music, food, children’s activities, and contests. This event is free for active-duty military, Reserve, National Guard, Veterans, and their families in partnership with NBC7 and Telemundo. The Midway will offer free admission to U.S. Military Veterans during the month of November. Visit midway.org.
San Jose
The 105th Annual Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony in San Jose is on Saturday, November 11, from 10:45 am to 1:30 pm. The event is completely free and will be held in Downtown San Jose at the intersection of Park Ave. and Market St. This parade, which stands as the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California, is a tribute to all individuals who have served or are presently serving their nation.
San Marcos
The San Marcos Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a reception at noon on November 11 at Helen Bougher Memorial Park, 1243 Borden Road. The park will be adorned with red, white, and blue flowers and American flags. Speakers include Mayor Rebecca Jones and Vietnam Veteran Thomas Galyean. The master of ceremonies is retired Col. Greg Rassatt. The San Marcos High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets and Boys and Girl Scout troops will assist with the ceremony. Music will be performed by the San Elijo Middle School Choir and Jazz Band. Service members are encouraged to attend in uniform. Bring lawn chairs. Visit san-marcos.net.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
