Veterans Day In Los Angeles: A Guide
How You Can Help
This Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day in Los Angeles and across the country. It is a holiday dedicated to honoring all of our veterans who bravely served the United States by joining the armed forces. Throughout times of peace and times of war, these veterans did all they could to help protect and strengthen our nation.
Regardless of your stance on domestic or foreign policy, our veterans deserve our admiration and gratitude. Although there are many reasons to honor and celebrate our veterans, unfortunately, they do not get all the recognition or assistance they deserve.
Thankfully, there are many things that you, your friends, neighbors and family can do to help honor our veterans and express your gratitude for the dedication they have shown for our community and country.
Here is our guide to Veterans Day in Los Angeles.
Volunteer and Donation Services
Veterans Service Centers
From readjusting to normal life, obtaining housing, seeking employment to pursuing medical care and taking advantage of social services, veterans require much of the same services that ordinary citizens do. However, some veterans are currently homeless and/or suffer from physical or mental disorders, and require extra help.
Service centers exist to help veterans achieve stability and high well-being. Sadly, many service centers are understaffed and can always use extra help. Fortunately, there are multiple veterans’ centers in our community that you can volunteer your time.
From helping prepare food to assisting in education and life skills programs, you can easily make a positive difference in these veterans’ lives.
Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Bob Hope Patriotic Hall
2614 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
877.452.8387
West Los Angeles Vet Center
5730 Uplander Way, Ste. 100
Culver City, CA 90230
310.641.0326 or 877.927.8387
East Los Angeles Vet Center
5400 E. Olympic Blvd., Ste. 140
Commerce, CA 90022
323.728.9966 or 877.927.8387
Los Angeles Vet Center
1045 W. Redondo Beach Blvd., Ste. 150
Gardena, CA 90247
310.767.1221 or 877.927.8387
Chatsworth Vet Center
20946 Devonshire St., Ste. 101
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818.576.0201 or 877.927.8387
In addition to volunteering your time helping and honoring our veterans, you can always donate goods and money to help.
Vietnam Veterans of America
You can donate money or well old clothing and other household items to help support the Vietnam Veterans of America Los Angeles chapters. Raised funds go towards promoting the rights of veterans, as well as offering support services to veterans and their families. Scheduling a pickup is easy, and free. To schedule a pickup or make a donation, please visit: www.vva.org/support.html
The Skid Row Housing Trust
Now celebrating its 25th year in operation, the Skid Row Housing Trust provides permanent housing and support services for persons and veterans in need of assistance. Providing and maintaining almost 1600 housing units, it provides Skid Row residents with stability, support, and the opportunity to empower themselves.
To make a donation, please visit: www.skidrow.org
Parades and Ceremonies
Many veterans are proud of their service and enjoy being recognized publically for the positive work they have performed for their country. Because of this, honoring your communities’ veterans at street parades and ceremonies is a fantastic and simple way to show you care. Come out and celebrate!
The 10th Annual Northeast Los Angeles Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2015
Starting time: 1 p.m.
Assembly and Starting point: 4455 York Blvd., Los Angeles, 90041
Awards and Entertainment: 2109 Merton Ave. from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
The Northeast LA Veterans Day Parade, now in its 10th incarnation, will cover the Northeast Los Angeles area, beginning in Eagle Rock, extend through and ending in Highland Park. All citizens can participate in the parade if they have a convertible and are willing to drive a veteran. Visit www.nelavetsparade.com for more information or to register.
The 19th Annual Long Beach Veterans Day Parade
Saturday, Nov. 8, 2015
Starting time: 10 a.m.
Houghton Park (Atlantic Avenue, Harding to 56th Street) 6301 Myrtle Ave., Long Beach, CA 90805
The Long Beach Veterans Day Parade, now in its 19th incarnation, is held to celebrate veterans in and around the Long Beach region. For more info, visit www.lbveteransdayparade.com.
Annual La Habra Veterans Day Event
Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015
La Habra Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631
Starting time: 11 a.m.
The city of La Habra, the “Purple Heart City”, will be honoring veterans who have received the Purple Heart Medal. The event is free and will include a complimentary breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to attend. For more information, please visit La Habra’s city website.
Battleship USS Iowa Museum’s Veterans Appreciation:
Nov. 8-11, 2015
250 S. Harbor Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90731
Kicking off ceremonies on Nov. 8 and ending with a Veteran’s Day program on Nov. 11, the museum is hosting a Veteran’s Day celebration event. The event will include family fun activities and offer free tours to all active military as well as veterans. In addition to the festivities, citizens will be educated on the preservation and history of the Battleship Iowa, a ship that served in WWII.
West Hollywood Veterans Day Ceremony
Nov. 11, 2015, 11:00 a.m.
Starting location: Sal Guarriello Veterans’ Memorial, Santa Monica Boulevard. at Holloway Drive
This ceremony is being held to honor the veterans who reside in West Hollywood and will include veterans from the community, as well as veterans serving in the West Hollywood City Council. In the chance of rain, it will move to the City Hall Lobby. For more information, visit here.
San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade
Nov. 11, 2015
Starting time: 11:11 a.m.
Starting location: San Fernando Mission Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Mission Hills
Ending location: Ritchie Valens Recreation Center and Park, 10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, CA 91331
The San Fernando Valley Veterans Day Parade is held to commemorate local veterans in and around the San Fernando Valley, complete with marching bands and ROTC units. A carnival will be held at the end location. For more information, please visit http://www.sfvveteransdayparade.com/.
Veterans’ Day Runs/Walks
To show your support for our veterans, there are two races organized in and around the Los Angeles area that you can run in.
Inaugural National Veteran’s Day Run:
Nov. 7, 2015
4730 Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Starting time: 8:11 a.m.
This run/walk will feature two courses, a 5K and a 1-mile course for all Veterans Day supporters, active-duty military personnel, and veterans. You can come out to support the runners or participate yourself. For more information, please visit www.veteransdayrun.com.
Santa Barbara Veterans Day Half Marathon:
Nov. 7, 2015
With over 3,000 participants, the Santa Barbara Veterans Day Half Marathon is the largest running event of its kind in the central California coast. The course will both begin and end on the beach. For more information about this beautiful race, please visit www.sbmarathon.com.
Take One Moment
No matter how you decide to spend your Veterans Day in Los Angeles, take a moment to celebrate and honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Happy Veterans Day!