The Santa Barbara Cemetery will host a Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m. to honor local service members.
Organized by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1649 and the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, the event serves as a community-wide tribute to the dedication and bravery of men and women who served across the six branches of the U.S. armed forces. According to the organizers, the ceremony is an open‑air gathering located near the cemetery’s main flagpole at 901 Channel Drive.
While the primary purpose is to celebrate the service of all U.S. military veterans, this year’s program features a unique musical addition. The ceremony will include the first‑ever performance of “The Veteran,” a piece by American composer and Grammy Award winner Barry De Vorzon.
De Vorzon, known for his work on “Nadia’s Theme,” has a long‑standing connection to the region, having previously composed “It’s Christmas Once Again in Santa Barbara.”
The program is scheduled to begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. with a variety of musical and ceremonial presentations. The VFW Post 1649 and the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation have coordinated several local groups to participate in the tribute.
The lineup of performers includes:
- The UCSB Color Guard
- Gold Coast Pipe & Drum Band
- David Gonzales
- The Santa Barbara Choral Society
- The Prime Time Band
- The Sons of the American Revolution
To conclude the event, attendees can expect a flyover by the San Diego Salute flying formation team. Another release identifies the flyover team as the Condor Squadron. The aerial display is intended to provide a patriotic conclusion using classic aircraft to honor the nation’s heroes.
Because the ceremony is held in an open‑air setting, organizers encourage attendees to arrive early. Seating capacity varies slightly between reports, with the Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation noting space for up to 600 people, while another report lists availability for up to 500. In either case, additional standing room will be available, and the venue provides ample parking.
There are specific restrictions regarding transportation to the site. Organizers have stated that no bikes or e‑bikes are allowed at the ceremony. No specialized handicapped parking is available at the location, so those requiring accommodations should arrive early to find space.
The event is a collaborative effort between two organizations with distinct but overlapping missions in the Santa Barbara and Ventura County areas. The VFW Post 1649 focuses on fostering camaraderie among veterans of overseas conflicts and advocating for the military and their communities. Their mission includes preserving the history of the fallen and assisting surviving spouses and orphans.
The Pierre Claeyssens Veterans Foundation, which is funded entirely by private donations, works to ensure that those who have served are “Never Forgotten.” The foundation supports veterans, active‑duty members, and partner organizations while working to preserve military history and legacy. More information regarding the foundation and the event can be found at https://www.pcvf.org/veterans-day-ceremony.
Veterans Day, originally known in the United States as Armistice Day, marks the anniversary of the end of World War I. It is a day that coincides with Remembrance Day in other nations, serving as a global moment of reflection on military service and the cost of conflict.
