Every November, the United States celebrates Veterans Day—a holiday dedicated to honoring those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. In Los Angeles, the centerpiece of this observance is the Veterans Day Parade, an event that unites service members, veterans, their families, and the wider community. It is not just a vibrant march, but a powerful act of respect for those who dedicated their lives to defending the nation. You can also learn about the annual AIDS Walk/Parade in Los Angeles. Find out more at los-angeles.pro.
The History of the Parade
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1918, marking the end of World War I. It was celebrated with church bells ringing around the world. The first annual national observance of Veterans Day was formalized by Congress in 1926 and paid tribute to all American veterans. Veterans Day encourages the nation to pay respect to the men and women who answered the call to serve in the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. In Los Angeles, the city honors over 90,000 veterans who have found their final resting place at the Los Angeles National Cemetery.
You can also read about how Brooklyn honored the heroes of the War of Independence.
What to Expect at the Parade
The Veterans Day Parade in Los Angeles is a large-scale march of service members, veterans, and volunteers that takes place along the city’s main streets. The largest and most famous parade traditionally occurs in the San Pedro district, home to a major naval port.
The parade’s main participants are veterans from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more recent military conflicts, including Iraq and Afghanistan. They march through the streets accompanied by military bands and honor guards. The parade features combat vehicles, historical automobiles, motorcycles, and often includes naval vessels and aviation displays. Some vehicles represent military technology museums, such as the USS Iowa Museum, which is docked at the Port of Los Angeles. Veterans and spectators are welcomed by military bands, as well as school and student ensembles performing patriotic songs. Performances by singing groups recreating songs from the war years are also popular. Numerous veteran support organizations participate in the parade, including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Wounded Warrior Project, and others. Volunteers carry flags and banners, and distribute gifts to veterans. Mayors, congressmen, and government representatives address the veterans, thanking them for their service. The parade features diverse military equipment, historical reenactments, and musical performances. Local schools and youth organizations join the celebration, demonstrating patriotism and respect for veterans.
In Pasadena, tribute is paid to the Marine Corps Battalion veterans, as the city houses their headquarters. A Yellow Ribbon ceremony takes place there with the music of Scottish pipes and drums. Stands from various military organizations and lectures are also present.
The Veterans Day ceremony in West Hollywood focuses especially on LGBTQ+ veterans. The 11:00 AM ceremony is held at the Veterans Memorial, located at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard. In Santa Monica, veterans and active-duty military receive free meals and tickets to Pacific Park at the Veterans Day ceremony on the Santa Monica Pier. This location features a military flyover with Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, and a demonstration by the U.S. Military Academy.
Programs and Support for Veterans
Beyond the parade, numerous events dedicated to veterans take place in Los Angeles. National cemeteries and memorials hold solemn ceremonies to honor the memory of fallen service members. Many restaurants and cafes provide free meals or discounts to veterans on this day. Museums, including the California Science Center and Battleship USS Iowa, organize special programs for veterans. Volunteers raise funds, present gifts to veterans, and assist lonely veterans and participants in combat operations.
The Veterans Day Parade is more than just a ceremonial march—it is a crucial gesture of gratitude. Many veterans face difficulties after their service, and events like this help them feel the support of the community. For residents and visitors of Los Angeles, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of military service and an opportunity to honor those who defended the country’s freedom and security.
Los Angeles County strives to further honor veterans and their families by providing specialized access to services and resources. The Department of Mental Health (DMH), in collaboration with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), as well as state and federal veterans affairs departments, local veterans organizations, academic institutions, and members of the military community, has developed the Veteran Access Network. This network serves hundreds of veterans and military families, and also trains and hires veterans for employment. Areas of assistance include legal services, housing, mental health and substance abuse treatment, education, training, employment, recreation, and more. The program includes a support hotline operated by veterans.
Operation Green Light
While Veterans Day is celebrated once a year, it is vital to support veterans and their families year-round, especially as they transition from military to civilian life. To support these efforts, the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO) issued an invitation to various organizations to support veterans and participate in “Operation Green Light.”
Operation Green Light was designed to show support for veterans by illuminating public buildings and spaces in green from November 6th through 12th. This is how county governments and residents show veterans that they are seen, valued, and supported. Similar ceremonies took place historically in England and France, where the Unknown Soldier was laid to rest in the highest place of honor in each nation.
California, with over 1.6 million veterans, actively supports Operation Green Light. In many cities across the state, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento, government buildings, offices, schools, and private homes are decorated with green lights. In Los Angeles, City Hall and key municipal structures are lit up in green. Special events are also held to support veterans. In San Diego, which is home to major military bases, fundraising and special programs for veterans are organized. In Sacramento, the state administration supports the initiative by lighting up buildings and organizing events in parks and community centers.
Operation Green Light is open to everyone. To support the initiative, residents can replace one or more light bulbs in their home or office with green ones, use green light in outdoor lighting, and share information about the campaign on social media with the hashtag #OperationGreenLight.
Operation Green Light in California has become an important part of the annual observance of Veterans Day. It not only draws attention to veterans’ service but also underscores the necessity of supporting those who gave part of their lives to serve the country. Through such initiatives, society can help veterans feel that their contribution is not forgotten and that their needs matter to everyone.