Long Beach veterans will be recognized and connected to resources as the annual Veterans Day Celebration returns to Houghton Park on Nov. 8.
The event will take place from noon to 4 p.m and is organized by the City in partnership with the Office of Veterans Support, City’s Veterans Commission and Veterans Day Committee. The Veterans Day celebration is a family-friendly event honoring veterans and active units serving in the United States military.
The celebration will include a flagship veterans recognition ceremony along with a community resources fair with more than 25 participating organizations. There will also be live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, a kids’ zone, a bootcamp-style obstacle course and flyovers with historic aircrafts. In addition, the City’s Health and Human Services will offer flu shots.
“Veterans Day serves as a reminder that our freedoms were secured through courage, sacrifice and service,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public statement. “As we gather at Houghton Park to honor our veterans and active military servicemembers, we celebrate not only their bravery but the enduring spirit of community that unites our city.”
The ceremony will recognize the following individuals and organizations demonstrating outstanding service to the veteran community:
- Gus Orozco, “2025 Veterans Day Celebration Grand Marshal”
- American Gold Star Manor Long Beach, “Outstanding Community Organization”
- Ryan Antes, “Outstanding Volunteer”
- Skip Keesal, “In Memoriam”
Music performances will feature The Satin Dollz with songs and dances recalling the ‘40s Big Band Swing Era, and the tribute band Knyght Ryder bringing ‘80s and ‘90s rock.
“Veterans remind us what service truly means,” said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie in a public statement. “Here in North Long Beach, we’re proud to have so many veterans who continue to serve and strengthen our community. Their courage and commitment to something greater than themselves reflect the best of who we are, and it’s an honor to celebrate them today.”
The complete schedule of events are as follows:
- 12:30 p.m. – Veterans recognition ceremony, historic aircraft flyovers and presentation of colors by Cabrillo High School’s NJROTC color guard
- 1:15 p.m. – The Satin Dollz live musical performance
- 2:30 p.m. – Knyght Ryder live musical performance
- All Day – DJ sets and emcee by Mr. Quick
More information about the celebration is available at longbeach.gov/veteransday
