VETERANS OF NATIONAL SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA WILL BE HONORED FOR THEIR CITIZENSHIP AND CONTRIBUTIONS ON VETERANS DAY.
An official public holiday, Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11th, with Santa Barbara celebrating with nearly a week of events and activities, culminating this year with the Veterans Parade on State Street on Saturday, Nov. 12th, followed by a concert at the Veterans Memorial Building. The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation plays a central role in presenting and collaborating on these events which support local veterans and their families.
Military Ball
Nov. 5th • 5pm • The Fess Parker
A formal evening mingling with members of our armed forces as well as many veterans in a social setting. At this year’s 20th Anniversary Military Ball, PCVF will honor our keynote speaker and Medal of Honor recipient Captain Florent Groberg. The Firestone family will receive the Generation of Service Award for having three generations of family members serve in the military, including Brooks Firestone, his son Adam Firestone, and Adam’s son/Brooks’ grandson Nicholas Firestone. The evening includes a cocktail hour, three-course dinner, and dancing to the sounds of the Art Deco Band.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Friday, Nov. 11th • 10 – 11 am • Free
Honor America’s veterans by joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 and Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation at their moving one-hour ceremony at the Santa Barbara Cemetery. Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy L. Davis – whose heroic actions were the inspiration for Forrest Gump – will be this year’s keynote speaker. A special appearance by the Santa Barbara Choral Society will serve as a poignant tribute to all veterans. This event is sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649.
Veterans Parade
Saturday, Nov. 12th • Noon – 1 pm • Free
This star-spangled event will include a mix of entertainment and heartfelt military tributes, complete with WWII vehicles and re-enactors, heroes from all branches of the military, a Huey helicopter, and historic military aircraft flyovers! Come show your support for our heroes past and present and watch the parade as it makes its way down State Street (from Sola St. to the Veterans Memorial Building).
Veterans Concert
Saturday, Nov. 12th • 1:30 pm • Free
Support America’s veterans while enjoying an afternoon of live music at the Veterans Memorial Building. The concert will feature an inspirational musical salute from the talented Westmont Orchestra. This event is presented by the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation.
