Following four years of fighting between the Allied Nations and Germany, the first World War came to a pause of hostilities on the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Millions of soldiers had lost their lives to the “Great War,” and the Treaty of Versailles which marked the end of the fighting was still a year away from being signed.
America celebrated Armistice Day that year and every year that followed with parades, public gatherings and a break from school and work. The national holiday was officially renamed Veterans Day by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on June 1, 1954.
Long Beach has a longstanding history of honoring its veterans. Although the annual Veterans Day Parade stopped being hosted in 2020, there are still multiple ways to honor those who have served our country in Long Beach.
Friday, Nov. 11
Reclaim Armistice Day: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Multiple organizations will be celebrating veterans and worldwide peace at Admiral Kidd Park (2125 Santa Fe Ave.) with the traditional ringing of 11 bells at 11 a.m. There will also be speakers, youth skits, prizes, live music crafts, food distribution and more. Free.
Veterans Day Commemoration: 11 a.m. The Alpert Jewish Community Center (3801 E. Willow St.) will be hosting a Veterans Day commemoration and exhibit where residents can hear from local veterans, guest speakers and clergy from Temple Israel. Attendees can learn about Jewish American military heroes and Medal of Honor recipients at the Jewish American History exhibit in the Gatov Gallery, which is on display throughout the month of November. Light refreshments will be provided. Free.
Saturday, Nov. 12
Veterans Day Festival: 11 A.M. to 2:30 p.m. U.S. military service members will be celebrated at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.) for the City’s annual Veterans Day Festival. There will be live musical performances by Knight Ryder and Long Beach DJ Dennis Owens, a resource fair, a kid zone, an obstacle course, beer garden and multiple food trucks. The event is hosted in collaboration with the Long Beach Running Club, People of the Earth and the Long Beach Veterans Day Committee. Free.
Sunday, Nov. 13
2nd Sunday in the Chapel: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The St. Isidore Historical Plaza will be continuing its tradition of celebrating Veterans Day with the community. Residents are invited to view the display of armed service and war memorabilia in the Hall and enjoy a patriotic song performed by Los Alamitos Unified School District elementary school students. A light lunch will be provided. The event is free and accepting donations.
