Honor Our Heroes: Bay Area Veterans Day 2025 Events

Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by U.S. military members, past and present. Originating from the armistice that ended World War I, this national holiday encourages us to reflect on the pursuit of peace and express gratitude for those who served.

This year, the San Francisco Bay Area is host to a diverse array of events, from solemn ceremonies to vibrant parades, ensuring there’s a meaningful way for everyone to participate. Whether you’re in the East Bay, the Peninsula, or the South Bay, plan to honor our veterans at one of these local gatherings.

Understanding Veterans Day’s Enduring Message

The spirit of Veterans Day traces back to November 11, 1918, when an armistice was signed, marking the end of “the war to end all wars.” This moment sparked a tradition of honoring service members, evolving into a day dedicated to all U.S. veterans. Beyond remembrance, it’s a day to foster “peace through good will and mutual understanding between people and nations.”

Locally, consider visiting sites like the San Francisco National Cemetery or the Korean War Memorial on the Presidio campus for quiet reflection.

Bay Area Celebrations: A Week of Honoring Service

From early bird events to the main day commemorations, the Bay Area offers numerous opportunities to show your appreciation. Here’s a look at some key events happening across the region:

Kick-off the Commemoration (Friday, Nov 7)

• Hometown Heroes Veterans Day Breakfast (Dublin): Start your day with the Rotary Club and city of Dublin for a family-style lunch, live music, and a recognition ceremony. Veterans attend free. Details here.
• East Bay Veterans Day Celebration (Oakland): Swords to Plowshares East Bay hosts a resource fair, food, drinks, and a talk by California Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. Free with reservations. Learn more.
• Alameda Elks Lodge Veterans Day Dinner: An evening of cocktails, dinner, and a special Veterans Day program. Reservations required. Find out more.
• VetsInTech Veterans’ Day Gala (San Francisco): A formal evening featuring a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, live entertainment, and awards, celebrating service members and attendees. Event info.

Weekend Festivities (Saturday, Nov 8 & Sunday, Nov 9)

• Goodguys 34th Fuel Curve Autumn Get-Together (Pleasanton): Beyond classic cars and dragsters, this event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds includes a Veterans Day ceremony with a color guard and car parade. Active and retired military members get free admission with ID. Check it out.
• S.F. Veterans Day Parade (San Francisco): A historic parade starting on North Point Street and continuing along the Embarcadero, culminating in a celebration at Ghirardelli Square. Expect marching bands, color guards, and the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. Parade route and details.

Veterans Day Itself (Tuesday, Nov 11)

• Dublin Veterans Day Open House and Museum Exhibition (Danville): Explore historical displays, presentations, and outdoor military vehicles, including a Huey helicopter. A family-friendly ceremony is at 11 a.m. Visit the museum.
• Marin Veterans Day Ceremony (San Rafael): A moving ceremony with speakers, live performances, a color guard, and ceremonial wreath placement at the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium. County event page.
• Veterans Day on the USS Hornet (Alameda): Observe a color guard presentation, live music, and a wreath-laying ceremony aboard this historic aircraft carrier. Museum admission includes the event, and veterans are admitted free. Plan your visit.
• Fairfield Veterans Day Celebration: ‘Forever Grateful’: Enjoy a commemoration ceremony and live concert at the Downtown Theatre, followed by a parade along Kentucky Street. See the full schedule.
• Walnut Creek Veterans Day Ceremony: Join the city and the Walnut Creek Concert Band for a ceremony and concert at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Concert details.
• San Jose Veterans Day Parade: A Salute to Our WWII Veterans: One of Northern California’s largest and longest-running parades, celebrating “Heroes of World War II: The Greatest Generation.” A commemorative ceremony precedes the parade at Plaza de Cesar Chavez at 11 a.m. Parade information.
• Petaluma Veterans Day Parade: Salute to the Military Women: Kicking off with live jazz music at noon, the parade features military vehicles and marching bands, concluding with a service, flyover, and guest speakers at Walnut Park. Event website.

Quick Guide to Bay Area Veterans Day Events

Here’s a snapshot of some major events to help you plan your Veterans Day commemorations:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
  Memorial Day honors military personnel who died in service, while Veterans Day celebrates all living and deceased U.S. military veterans.
• Are there any free events for veterans?
  Yes! Several events, including the Hometown Heroes Breakfast in Dublin and admission to the USS Hornet in Alameda, offer free entry for veterans. Always check specific event details for ID requirements.
• Can families attend these events?
  Absolutely. Many events, particularly the parades and museum open houses, are designed to be family-friendly and are a wonderful opportunity to educate younger generations about the importance of Veterans Day.
• How can I support veterans beyond attending events?
  Consider volunteering with or donating to organizations like Swords to Plowshares, which provides critical support to veterans, or other local veterans’ services.

As Veterans Day 2025 approaches, take a moment to reflect on the meaning of service and peace. By participating in these local Bay Area events, you contribute to a powerful collective expression of gratitude for those who have defended our freedoms.

Honor Our Heroes Bay Area Veterans Day Events