Honoring Our Veterans

Where to Gather in Santa Clara County This Veterans Day

Wednesday, November 11, 2026, offers a meaningful opportunity to step away from the usual routine and recognize the people who have served our country. Across Santa Clara County, local gatherings will bring veterans, families, neighbors, and community organizations together.

For residents of Almaden Valley and the surrounding South Bay, three options stand out: San Jose’s downtown parade, Cupertino’s memorial ceremony, and Gilroy’s afternoon parade. Whether you prefer the energy of a procession or time for reflection, here is a guide to planning your day.

Veterans Day events at a glance

San Jose Veterans Day Parade

San Jose’s 108th Veterans Day Parade begins at noon, with a special salute to Vietnam War veterans. The organizer’s route description follows Santa Clara Street east from Almaden Boulevard, then turns onto Market Street and finishes at San Carlos Street.

For families coming from Almaden Valley or elsewhere in San Jose, this is an opportunity to applaud veterans and enjoy a shared community tradition. Choose a viewing spot before the procession begins, and allow time to walk from your parking location.

Make the occasion more meaningful for children by talking beforehand about who veterans are and why the community is gathering. A simple conversation can help connect the celebration to the people being honored.

Official details: https://svcmoaa-events.com/san-jose-veterans-day-parade

Cupertino Veterans Day Ceremony

Cupertino’s ceremony takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cupertino Veterans Memorial, 10110 Parkwood Drive, in Memorial Park.

The program honors veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Scheduled elements include a color guard, student choir, speakers, floral tribute, Taps, and a West Bay Community Band performance.

Choose this gathering if you would appreciate a more reflective observance. Arriving early will give your group time to get settled before the program. If someone in your party needs seating or an accessible route, confirm arrangements with the organizers in advance.

Official program: https://cupertinoveteransmemorial.org/2026/10/veterans-day-2026/

Gilroy Veterans Day Parade

For an afternoon option, Gilroy’s Veterans Day Parade is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on November 11. The South Santa Clara Valley Memorial District’s event page includes the parade poster and a separate flyer for Veterans Day activities.

This could be a good choice for South County residents or anyone who prefers a later start. Review the current flyer for route and gathering information before choosing a place to watch.

Official details: https://www.sscvmemorialdistrict.org/2026-gilroy-veterans-day-parade

Plan ahead for downtown San Jose closures

Drivers heading north from Almaden Valley should pay particular attention to the downtown approach. The San Jose Downtown Association lists the northbound Highway 87 Santa Clara Street off-ramp as closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 11.

Additional closures affect Santa Clara Street, Market Street, Almaden Boulevard, and nearby streets. Park Avenue between Market Street and Almaden Boulevard is listed as closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Check your route before leaving, select a parking option outside the closure area, and build in extra walking time.

Traffic updates: https://sjdowntown.com/traffic-construction-updates/
Downtown parking: https://parksj.org/

Make room for gratitude

You do not need an elaborate itinerary to make Veterans Day meaningful. Attend one gathering, invite a neighbor, or reach out to a veteran you know with a personal message of appreciation.

If a veteran in your family would like to share a story, make time to listen. Let them decide how much they want to discuss, and keep the focus on their experience.

For those of us who call Santa Clara County home, community is built through showing up for one another. This November 11 is an opportunity to do exactly that.

Thank you to our veterans and the families who support them.