Veterans Day is celebrated across the United States to honor those who have served our country. To some, it might just be a day marked on a calendar, to others, it is a day off from school, or work. However, in this town, we celebrate Veterans Day with pride, and honor our hometown heroes who have risked their lives to serve our country.

An Act approved on May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of veterans’ service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by changing the word “Armistice” and putting in its place the word “Veterans.” November 11th has since become a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Porterville traditionally celebrates Veterans Day with an annual parade (the largest parade of the year for our community) on Main St. This year will be Porterville’s 104th Veterans Day Parade with the town’s clubs and organizations coming out and supporting as well as participating in the parade. Following the parade, the middle and high school marching bands continue the day’s festivities with marching performances at the Band-A-Rama. The Band-A-Rama is a tradition that was started by Porterville High School’s former iconic Band Director, Mr. Frank “Buck” Shaffer in 1970 as a tribute to those who served and are currently serving in the military. Former Porterville High Band Director, Mr. Jim Kusserow leads all the bands in unison as they play the marches for each branch of the Military as well as other patriotic musical selections.  

A few years ago the City Parks & Leisure Department also began hosting a Veterans Day Run & Walk which features a 10K run, 5K run, 5K walk, and free kids fun run that people can participate in before the parade begins at 10am.