Whether you or someone you know is a veteran, or you simply want to pay your respects to the men and women who bravely fought for our freedom, the surrounding region is full of events in honor of Veterans Day.

1. Wayne Spence Folsom Veterans Day Parade, November 11. This 16th annual parade begins at 9 a.m. at East Bidwell Street/Montrose Drive and finishes at the Folsom Community Center. A brief memorial ceremony will take place after, at the Veterans Memorial at Folsom City Lions Park. folsom.ca.us/city_hall/depts/parks/events/events/parade.asp

2. Vietnam War Pilots and Crew Commemoration, November 11. Head to Mather Air Base and honor all Californians who served as pilots or crewmembers during the Vietnam War with a fly-in of the UH-1H Huey and AH-1 Cobra accompanied by a plaque dedication. calvet.ca.gov/pages/vietnamwarpilotsandcrewcommemoration.aspx

3. Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11. Remember veterans and honor the missions of the United States Naval Construction Forces (Seabees) at the Memorial Plaza in Rancho Cordova. Pre-program begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by the commemoration at 10 a.m. cityofranchocordova.org 

4. Blues and Brews for Vets, November 5. Celebrate and honor our veterans, active service and fallen heroes at Lakehills Church in El Dorado Hills beginning at 7 p.m. 

5. Veterans Day Ceremony, November 11. Friends of the El Dorado County Veterans Monument are sponsoring this annual ceremony at 360 Fair Lane in Placerville beginning at 11 a.m. 916-933-8860

6. Veterans Day Parade, November 11. American Legion Post 108 is hosting their annual parade in Downtown Jackson at 10 a.m. 209-296-4438

7. Ruck March, November 10-11. Enjoy two days with fellow veterans, military and supporters as you march from the State Capitol to various checkpoints that eventually lead participants to San Francisco. 

8. Veterans Day Parade, Community Ceremony and Luncheon, November 11. Beginning at 10:50 a.m. at the corner of Lincoln Way and Cleveland Street in Auburn, and ending at the Gold Country Fairgrounds, this annual parade is followed by a complimentary luncheon and “Proud To Be An American” celebration. 

9. 241st Marine Corps Birthday Ball, November 10. Active duty, veterans, families and the public are invited to this ball, held at the Folsom Community Center beginning at 5 p.m. Guests will enjoy no-host cocktails, dinner by Wildwood BBQ and dancing. 

10. Veterans Day Parade, November 11. This sixth annual parade begins at 11 a.m. along Capitol Avenue (3rd Street) in Downtown Sacramento and concludes at 9th Street. 916-808-6789

— Compiled by Tara Mendanha