Opportunities to reflect, celebrate and honor the service and sacrifice of America’s military veterans will take place at various observances throughout Southern California on Monday, Veterans Day.
In his Veterans Day proclamation, President Joe Biden stated, “Every veteran of our country is a link in a chain of honor that stretches back to our founding days – bound by a sacred oath to support and defend the United States of America. “
In Los Angeles County, parades, flyovers and celebrations take place all day long. Pasadena uses the celebration to pay tribute to a Marine Corps reserve battalion headquartered in the city. The 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment has been deployed for a one-year tour of duty. The 10:30 a.m. celebration will include a Yellow Ribbon ceremony with music from the Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums. There will be speakers and booths from various military-related organizations, a flyover at 11:11 a.m., with firefighters from the Pasadena Fire Department serving free hot dogs.
The San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade begins at 11:11 a.m. at Laurel Canyon Boulevard and San Fernando Mission Boulevard in Mission Hills and heads south on Laurel Canyon Boulevard for 1.1 miles to Ritchie Valens Park. Former US Army Spc. Edward Landin, who served from 1971 to 1973, will become the grand marshal.
The Veterans Day ceremony in West Hollywood will focus primarily on LGBTQ veterans. The 11 a.m. ceremony will take place at the Sal Guarriello Veterans Memorial, located at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Holloway Drive.
In Santa Monica, veterans and active military members will receive free meals and ride tickets to Pacific Park during the Veterans Day ceremony on the Santa Monica Pier, including a military flyover with Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters and a demonstration by the United States Military Academy. with the West Point Drill team.
“Thursday Night Football” pregame analyst Andrew Whitworth will be one of the speakers and will lead a military convoy with California Army National Guard vehicles along with former NFL players Cade McNown and Donnie Edwards. The ceremony lasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m
Forest Lawn’s 65th annual Veterans Day Celebration begins at 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills and will include a flyover, patriotic music, an invocation and benediction, a color guard, a wreath laying ceremony and family-friendly activities.
The Queen Mary in Long Beach will host an exclusive free celebration for veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration includes the opportunity to write letters to active duty service members, crafts and veterans share inspiring stories. Visitors can take free tours of the ship’s exhibits. Entertainment includes a tribute to The Andrews Sisters.
Also in Long Beach, a Veterans Day event will be held at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including food, vendors, a car show and music.
Redondo Beach will celebrate the day at the Veterans Memorial, in Veterans Park near the Redondo Pier, beginning at 1 p.m. The event will feature reflection, commentary and music to honor all those who have served their country.
Col. Andrew Dermanoski, U.S. Space Force, commander of Los Angeles Air Force Base, will be the keynote speaker. During the ceremony, a veteran from the local community will receive the Memorial flag.
Azusa, Alhambra, Baldwin Park, Carson, Cerritos, Monterey Park, Norwalk, Palmdale and Santa Clarita are among the other Los Angeles County cities that also hold Veterans Day ceremonies.
