Oxnard families filled Plaza Park on the morning of November 11 for the city’s annual Veterans Day celebration. The event, organized by local veterans groups and the Oxnard Parks Department, offered a chance for citizens of every generation to recognize the sacrifices of America’s service members.
Music, ceremony and community participation
The Channel Islands High School Raiders Band opened the program with a stirring rendition of the national anthem, followed by a moving performance of “Taps” by Daniel Sevilla. The Naval Sea Cadets posted the colors, and a wreath was laid at the Veterans Memorial by representatives of several veterans organizations.
Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Nina Jean Thurston‑Keller addressed the crowd, reminding listeners of the historic roots of the holiday. “On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the guns of World War I fell silent. What began as Armistice Day grew into what we now call Veterans Day,” she said.
Navy Commander Margaret MacClary echoed the sentiment, noting the visual impact of seeing uniforms from multiple branches side by side. “It is really wonderful to see people in different uniforms from different branches. It is a great thing for the community and I appreciate being invited,” she added.
A young girl sang a patriotic song, and Itzel Vazquez performed a heartfelt rendition of “America the Beautiful,” adding a personal touch that resonated with families in the audience.
Resources for veterans and their families
After the formal ceremony, attendees were invited to visit a series of information booths staffed by local veterans services agencies. Representatives from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, the Oxnard Veterans Service Office, and several nonprofit groups provided guidance on benefits, healthcare enrollment, and employment resources.
Community volunteers also distributed pamphlets on how to connect with counseling services, housing assistance, and educational programs for veterans and their families. The presence of these resources underscored the city’s commitment to supporting those who have served, aligning with the broader mission of strengthening families and honoring faith‑based values of service.
Looking ahead
The Oxnard Veterans Day ceremony has become a cherished tradition, drawing participants from across Ventura County. Organizers said they plan to expand the event next year, adding a youth mentorship component that will pair high‑school students with local veterans for community service projects.
For now, the day concluded with a final salute and a shared sense of gratitude, reminding Oxnard residents that honoring veterans is not only a patriotic duty but also a celebration of the families and faith that sustain our nation.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
