Veterans Day Services in Ventura County

Veterans Day is celebrated as a Federal holiday on the 11th day of November in honor of those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark the anniversary of the end of World War I, which formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when Armistice with Germany took effect.

Here are some local Veterans Day 2023 service options to honor those who have served our country:

• Fri, Nov 10: Veterans Day Event at Reagan Library (11am)

• Sat, Nov 11: Veterans Day Services in Simi Valley (11am)

• Sat, Nov 11: Veterans Day Observance in Moorpark (10am)

• Sat, Nov 11: GCVF Veterans Day Ceremony in Ventura (11am)

• Sat, Nov 11: Veterans Day Ceremony in Oxnard (11am)

• Sat, Nov 11: Veterans Day Celebration in Malibu (11am-1pm)

• Sat, Nov 11: Veteran’s Day Event at Stagecoach Inn Museum (1-4pm)

A sampling of free Veterans Day offers for Active Military and Veterans with ID:

• Chili’s: Free meal on 11/11/23 for all veterans and active military. Dine-in only for select items. Must present military ID.

• CPK: Free entree and non-alcoholic beverage on Nov 11th

• BJ’s: Receive free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie with minimum purchase of $11.95 on 11/11/23. Dine in only.

• Farmer Boys: Free Big Cheese with valid proof of service all day on 11/11/23.

• Wienerschnitzel: Free Chili Dog, Small Fries and Small Soda for Veterans and active military on 11/11/23. Must present military ID.

Vietnam veteran David Stull stands guard while supporting a flagpole carrying the American flag at the Garden of Valor at Valley Oaks Memorial Park in Westlake Village. This was one of three 30 minute shifts he stood guard. November 1984 photo by Scott Harrison/The News Chronicle

Back in the 1980s, Conejo Valley residents would observe a 24-hour vigil during the Veterans Day holiday. I took photos several times, but this 1984 photo at dusk remains my favorite. The current full name of Valley Oaks is Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Memorial Park. The flame is still burning at the Garden of Valor.

Conejo Valley Veterans Memorial at Conejo Creek Park North in Thousand Oaks

Veterans Memorial Fountain

The Conejo Valley Veterans Memorial is a fountain memorial with two ponds located at Conejo Creek Park North, 1379 East Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. 

The inscription on the memorial says "We the people of the Conejo Valley proudly dedicate this memorial to our local veterans. Their courage and sacrifices serve as a shining example for future generations."

Conejo Creek Park is a local treasure. Completed in 1992, the park has a fitness trail, two playgrounds, a stream that meanders between two large ponds, three large picnic structures, over two dozen picnic tables and more. 

There is plenty of parking surrounding Conejo Creek Park, which is also a popular venue for community events and festivals.

Another great feature is the bridge that connects the park to three other community gathering spots - the Grant R. Brimhall Library, Thousand Oaks Teen Center and Goebel Senior Adult Center. When my kids were younger, we used to park at and visit the library, place our books in the car, then walk or scooter across the bridge to the park.

The bridge leading from the Thousand Oaks Library to Conejo Creek Park North.

Video Footage at Victory over Japan Day in Waikiki on August 14, 1945

Originally posted in August 2010. Re-posted for Veterans Day 2011.

This is some wonderful video footage of spontaneous celebrations on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki after the surrender of Japan (known as Victory over Japan, or V-J Day), effectively ending World War II.