Communities across the First District are coming together to honor the courage, sacrifice, and service of our nation’s Veterans through a series of heartfelt events this November. From parades and ceremonies to dinners and car shows, residents are invited to participate in these special tributes recognizing those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
- In Apple Valley, the Town will host the grand opening of Captain Joseph McConnell Jr. USAF Park and Veterans Monument at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 21878 Pahute Avenue. This meaningful event will celebrate the legacy of Captain Joseph McConnell Jr.—a hometown hero and decorated Air Force pilot—while honoring all Veterans who have served the nation. Community members are encouraged to attend this special occasion celebrating both local heritage and national pride.
- The Rotary Club of Apple Valley will host the 2nd Annual Veterans Car Show & BBQ on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Singh Center for the Arts, 22311 Bear Valley Road. Veterans in attendance will enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by Down Range BBQ, along with live music, a classic car show, and trophy presentations. This free, family-friendly event offers a fun way for the community to show its appreciation. Car show registration is available on-site from 8 to 10 a.m. for $30 (cash only).
- Additionally, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 92 will host a breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s in Apple Valley from 8 to 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8. Attendees can enjoy breakfast while supporting local Veterans, with tickets available in advance through Justin Horne at 757-581-6772.
- In Victorville, the City’s 29th Annual Veterans Day Celebration will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 11, beginning with a Veterans Day Parade at 9 a.m. The parade will start at the corner of 7th Street and Tracy Street and continue to 7th Street and Forrest Avenue, where a ceremony will immediately follow. Community members are invited to share the stories of Veterans they know and love to be honored during the event. More information is available at VictorvilleCA.gov/VeteransDay.
- The Wrightwood Veterans Memorial invites the community to a heartfelt Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 at Wrightwood Veterans Memorial Park on Evergreen Road. Eight local Veterans will be honored with quilts from the Wrightwood Quilts of Valor group, and the Veterans Honor Bell will toll eleven times—marking the moment World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The event will also recognize new Honor Bricks, including those dedicated to Marine Veterans, former County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and current First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook. They will also celebrate the 250th birthdays of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
- The Victor Valley College Veterans Resource Center, in partnership with the High Desert Veterans Center, will host the 10th Annual Veterans Day Event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Victor Valley College Educational Event Center, 12395 Mojave Fish Hatchery Road. Sponsored by Texas Roadhouse, this gathering will honor veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with food, fellowship, and recognition.
- In Phelan, the 31st Annual High Desert Veterans’ Dinner, hosted by the Kiwanis Club, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Serrano High School Gym, 9292 Sheep Creek Road. Veterans and one guest are invited to a free appreciation dinner featuring pulled pork, cheesy potatoes, coleslaw, and rolls, courtesy of Victorville Motors. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and dinner will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are required and available at several local locations, listed at HDVeteransDinner.com.
- In Hesperia, the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, in partnership with AMVETS, will hold its 2025 Veterans Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road. The ceremony will honor all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Attendees can visit HesperiaParks.com for details and updates.
- Finally, San Bernardino County Regional Parks will celebrate Veterans Day with free park admission for all county residents who are veterans or active-duty members of the United States Armed Services, including those in the reserves or National Guard, on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Participating parks, including Mojave Narrows, will offer free vehicle admission so everyone in the car can enjoy a day at Regional Parks. At Calico Ghost Town, the offer applies to one free adult admission for the veteran or active-duty personnel only. A valid military ID or DD214 must be presented for free entry. Park hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, while Calico Ghost Town is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
The following week, three more events are planned to honor our Veterans:
- Veterans are invited to cast a line and enjoy a relaxing morning with the Hi-Desert Fly Fishing Club! Join in for a day of fishing, a delicious barbecue lunch, and fun raffle prizes from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 14 at Jess Ranch Lakes, 19756 Del Oro Road in Apple Valley. To sign up or volunteer, call 442-242-3203 or email hdff4trout@gmail.com.
- VFW Post 2924 “Joshua Palms” invites the community to its Veterans Holiday Market from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at 10184 Hesperia Road in Hesperia. Guests can meet Santa Claus, enjoy live music, taste delicious chili during the cook-off, and browse a variety of vendor booths. The event will also feature food trucks and beer gardens for attendees to enjoy. For vendor information, text 760-912-2981.
- The VFW Post 855 Veteran’s Chili Food Festival will take place from noon to close on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Dempsey’s Pub, located at 15444-A Vista Road in Helendale. Guests can enjoy chili tasting from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., live music by Brad Johnson and The Killing Time Band, and a flag ceremony at 2:30 p.m. DJ Kipp will provide additional music throughout the day, followed by the chili awards at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, and the event is open to those 21 and over. Proceeds will benefit veterans at the Barstow Veterans Home. Visitors are also invited to “Adopt a Veteran” through the Christmas Angel Tree program.
Across the High Desert, these events serve as a reminder of the immense gratitude owed to the men and women who have selflessly defended our freedoms. Residents are encouraged to attend, participate, and show appreciation for our local heroes this Veterans Day.