Celebrate and honor Sonoma County veterans this Veterans Day
Veterans Day falls on Saturday, Nov. 11 this year. Many organizations and businesses throughout Sonoma County will observe the day on Friday by either closing or holding ceremonies to honor those who have served in our armed forces.
Veterans Day was first observed on Nov. 11, 1919. It was known then as Armistice Day in honor of the first anniversary of the Great War, which officially ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. Congress called for an annual observance of the anniversary in 1926 and by 1938 it became a federal holiday. In 1954, president Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, as it is currently known today.
Some simple ways to observe the day include:
- Attending a Veterans Day event;
- Asking a veteran about their time in the military;
- Displaying a U.S. flag in your home;
- Volunteering for or donating to a military-support nonprofit;
- Reading a book or watching a movie about U.S. military history.
Sonoma County Veteran’s Day events
Towns, businesses and organizations throughout Sonoma County will take the time and effort to honor those who have served in our armed forces. Events slated for Veterans Day 2023 include:
Veterans Day Dedication and Free Day at the Charles Schulz Museum: Join the Charles Schulz Museum at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 10 for a ceremony dedicating a plaque in honor of Charles M. Schulz’s WWII service in the 20th Armored Division, with the presentation of colors from the United States Coast Guard Training Center Petaluma Honor Guard, performances by Maria Carillo High School jazz choir, Pacific Coast Air Museum, and special speakers, including Jean Schulz. Afterward, enjoy free admission all day to the Schulz Museum.
Veterans Day Parade: Join the Petaluma community in honoring veterans who have served past and present in the military. The annual Veterans Day Parade runs from 1 to 3 p.m. Before and after the parade, musical performances and special acknowledgments will occur at the gazebo located in Walnut Park.
Operation End Hunger: The Redwood Empire Food Bank will be collecting food and funds during the Petaluma Veterans Day Parade! Veterans and civilians are being asked to collect non-perishable food and bring it to Walnut Park at the corner of D Street and Petaluma Blvd. Most Needed Items are: Canned Tuna, Canned Chicken, Peanut Butter, Rice and Pasta, Oats, Dry Beans & Low Sugar Cereal.
Free Admission for Veterans and Active Military at Jack London State Historic Park: In recognition of their service to the United States, Jack London State Historic Park will provide free admission to all active-duty military and veterans on Veterans Day and through the following weekend, Nov. 10-12.
Windsor Veterans Day Ceremony: The VFW/Amercan Legion will hold its annual Veterans Day Ceremony in the Windsor Town Green on Saturday, Nov. 11
Veterans of Foreign Wars Brunch: VFW Post 3919 (Sebastopol and Gold Ridge) will hold its annual Veterans Day brunch at the Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Building at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11.
Veterans Day BBQ: American Legion Post 293 (Cloverdale) will host a free Veterans Day BBQ for veterans and families of veterans at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 12 to 2 p.m. RSVP to 707-292-4168.
