A Celebration of Bravery and Liberty
Nov 06, 2025 09:59AM ● By MPG Staff
The Veterans Affiliated Council’s Veterans Day Parade at the Capitol will feature a military aircraft flyover, static displays, information booths and presentations from local Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. Photo courtesy of Veterans Affiliated Council
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SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Once a year, the nation pauses to honor and recognize the sacrifices of those who have served to protect the United States. Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, marks the armistice that ended World War I in 1918 at the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”
Home to California’s Capitol, the Sacramento region flies its flags high for this important federal holiday by hosting events for veteran residents and their families. Several organizations are also paying their respects through free or discounted activities offering special opportunities for active-duty service members and veterans.
Give Veterans a Smile
The University of the Pacific, Sacramento Campus, School of Dentistry will host Give Veterans a Smile to offer free dental screenings for veterans and active-duty members of all ages from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10.
Those interested can also speak with University of the Pacific dental professionals about how to become patients and how to access discounted care as well as free wellness services. Free health kits, snacks and refreshments will also be provided.
Attendees must bring either a physical or electronic copy of an official military document (DD214) and photo identification to verify eligibility. The clinic is ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible; questions can be sent to [email protected].
Give Veterans a Smile will be facilitated at the Pacific Health Care Collaborative Clinic located at 3333 3rd Ave. Appointments are required and can be made at bit.ly/43zjl1C or by calling 916-672-2774.
Veterans Day at the California Automobile Museum
On Monday, Nov. 10, the California Automobile Museum will offer free admission to veterans and active-duty service members. The museum features more than 120 cars spanning nearly 120 years of automotive history, from brass-era vehicles to modern models with advanced technology.
Proof of service is required, and the offer applies only to individual veterans and active-duty personnel. The California Automobile Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is at 2200 Front St.
Veterans Affiliated Council’s Veterans Day Parade
The Veterans Affiliated Council of Sacramento and Vicinity will sponsor for its fifth year the annual Veterans Day Parade and celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the California State Capitol, 1315 10th St.
This year’s celebration will pay special tribute to the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The event will feature a military aircraft flyover, static displays, informational booths and presentations from local Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) programs.
Several local leaders are supporting this year’s event, including Sacramento County Supervisors Rosario Rodriguez, Phil Serna, Patrick Kennedy, Pat Hume and Rich Desmond, and Sacramento City Councilmember Rick Jennings.
The annual parade brings together veterans, families and community members from across the region to celebrate and recognize those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information, visit Calvac.org.
Veterans Day Barbecue
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 67 (WFW 67) will host a Veterans Day Barbecue from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11, offering hot dogs and hamburgers, with side dishes and desserts provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 67 auxiliary. The event will be at the VFW 67 Canteen, 2784 Stockton Blvd.
Free Admission to State Parks
More than 140 California state parks will offer free admission to U.S. service members and their families on Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Participating parks include local attractions such as the California State Railroad Museum, the State Indian Museum and Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park.
To receive free admission, veterans and active-duty or reserve military personnel must show a valid military identification or proof of honorable discharge. A full list of parks is available at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2025.
Pre-Thanksgiving Veterans Celebration
On Saturday, Nov. 15, Macedonia Baptist Church will host a Pre-Thanksgiving Veterans Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Robertson Community Center, 3525 Norwood Ave.
The event will honor veterans with a free Thanksgiving-style meal, warm winter items and resources for about 80 families in need. Sponsors include SMUD, Sprouts, Planned Parenthood and FoodsCo.
Registration is available at macedoniasacto.com/events or contact Sis. Natavia Hughes at 916-585-0735.
Veterans Day Freedom Run
The Best Races Freedom Run will take place Saturday, Nov. 16 at Sutter’s Landing Park (20 28th St.), offering 5K, 10K and half-marathon options.
Participants are encouraged to run in gratitude for veterans’ service and can raise funds for a charity of their choice. Wave start times are 7:30 a.m., 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Registration details are available at bit.ly/4odKNtX.
