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.