Community News

Veterans Day Celebration Returns Nov. 8

The City of Long Beach proudly presents the 2025 Veterans Day Celebration taking place on Saturday, Nov. 8, from noon to 4 p.m. at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave.). The Veterans Day Celebration is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates and honors veterans and those currently serving in the United States military.

“Veterans Day serves as a reminder that our freedoms were secured through courage, sacrifice and service,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “As we gather at Houghton Park to honor our veterans and active military servicemembers, we celebrate not only their bravery but the enduring spirit of community that unites our city.”

This year’s Veterans Day Celebration offers something for everyone, including the flagship Veterans Recognition Ceremony, a veterans and community resources fair with more than 25 participating organizations, live entertainment, food trucks, a beer garden, a kids’ zone, a bootcamp-style obstacle course and flyovers with historic aircraft. The Department of Health and Human Services will also offer flu shots.

The Veterans Recognition Ceremony will recognize the following individuals and organizations who have demonstrated outstanding service to the veterans’ community:

• Gus Orozco, “2025 Veterans Day Celebration Grand Marshal”
• American Gold Star Manor Long Beach, “Outstanding Community Organization”
• Ryan Antes, “Outstanding Volunteer”
• Skip Keesal, “In Memoriam”

The afternoon event will also feature a lively entertainment lineup including The Satin Dollz, who bring their unique blend of song and dance recalling the 1940s Big Band Swing Era to the stage, and Knyght Ryder, who will rock the stage as Long Beach’s favorite ‘80s and ‘90s tribute band. People are encouraged to bring chairs and their dancing shoes to enjoy concert in the park vibes.

“Veterans remind us what service truly means,” said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie. “Here in North Long Beach, we’re proud to have so many veterans who continue to serve and strengthen our community. Their courage and commitment to something greater than themselves reflect the best of who we are, and it’s an honor to celebrate them today.”

The complete schedule of events is as follows:

• 12:30 p.m. – Veterans Recognition Ceremony, historic aircraft flyovers and Presentation of Colors by Cabrillo High School’s NJROTC Color Guard
• 1:15 p.m. – The Satin Dollz live musical performance
• 2:30 p.m. – Knyght Ryder live musical performance
• All Day – DJ sets and emcee by Mr. Quick

Event details available at longbeach.gov/veteransday.

The Veterans Day Celebration is presented by the City of Long Beach in partnership with the Office of Veterans Support, the Long Beach Veterans Commission and the Long Beach Veterans Day Committee.

Republican Women Meet

Greater Long Beach Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Saturday, Nov. 8, at The Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. Registration is at 9 a.m.; the buffet breakfast opens at 9:30 a.m.

Guest speaker Tracy Coe, founder of CoeDynamics, is a certified practitioner in functional health. Her topic is “EMF- Protecting Mind, Body & Freedom from the Invisible Toxin.”

Cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. For a reservation, call Sandy Dubrowskij (562) 310-4283 or email glbrw2024@gmail.com.

QM Honors Veterans

Following the success of last year’s event, the iconic Queen Mary will once again honor our nation’s heroes this Veterans Day with a day of celebration dedicated to veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., guests will enjoy free admission aboard the legendary ship, featuring special programming and family-friendly activities designed to commemorate and celebrate their service.

“We are honored to once again open our decks to the men and women who have served our country,” said Steve Caloca, Managing Director of The Queen Mary. “As a war veteran herself, the Queen Mary proudly welcomes fellow veterans and their families aboard for a day of reflection, gratitude, and celebration. It’s a privilege to create a meaningful day filled with special programming that reflects our deep gratitude for their service and sacrifice.”

Throughout the day, veterans and their guests can enjoy exclusive experiences, including meet-and-greets with the ship’s Captain and officers, arts and crafts, letter-writing to active troops, and live entertainment featuring patriotic performances by the USO Girls. 

Admission also includes access to select self-guided tours of the ship’s renowned exhibits and spaces, including the Churchill Exhibit, Engine Room, Ship Model Gallery, The Wheelhouse, and The Shipyard. Guests looking to make the most of their visit can enhance their experience with guided tours, dining at the ship’s restaurants, retail shopping, and cocktails at the historic Observation Bar.

“The Queen Mary’s legacy of service as a troopship during World War II connects her deeply to this day of remembrance,” Caloca added. “It’s an honor to celebrate side by side with those who have shared in that same spirit of duty and resilience.”

Veterans can reserve a ticket for themselves and guests today by visiting https://www.queenmary.com/whatsondeck.

Daisy Lane Parade Returns Dec. 13

The magic of the holidays returns to West Long Beach as the 71st Annual Daisy Lane Parade steps off on Saturday, Dec. 13. Presented by the City of Long Beach and Office of Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga, this cherished community tradition will begin at 5 p.m. and feature a festive lineup of holiday floats and participants.

A night of dazzling holiday entertainment will also take place on Sunday, Dec. 14.

The holiday parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Daisy Avenue at West Burnett Street and travel south, down the east side of Daisy Avenue to Pacific Coast Highway where it will make its way around the median and back up the west side of Daisy Avenue and conclude near West Hill Street and Maine Avenue around 7 p.m.

The night of holiday entertainment will feature a spirited selection of celebratory performances and will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14, on the Daisy Lane median at Daisy Avenue and 20th Street.

“The Daisy Lane Parade is more than just a holiday festivity – it is part of our community’s story,” said Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilmember Roberto Uranga. “I am grateful to everyone who helps keep this cherished tradition alive and makes it a highlight of our holiday season. I’m honored to continue this beloved tradition and to see our streets once again filled with the sights and sounds that make this celebration so special.”

Local businesses, nonprofit organizations and community groups interested in participating in the Daisy Lane Parade may submit an application by Monday, Dec. 1. For more information, contact the Seventh District Council Office at (562) 570-7777 or district7@longbeach.gov. 

The Daisy Lane Parade began in 1953 as the brainchild of Gertrude Whittle who originally worked with the Long Beach City Council and Council of Churches to help decorate the grass median on Daisy Avenue with a Christmas Village and nativity scene, an effort which then garnered participation from nearby residents and continued to grow over many years.

Today, the Daisy Lane Parade is presented by the city and Seventh Council District and stewarded by the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance and Maria Norvell, who is fondly known as the “Mother of Christmas Tree Lane” for being one of the original founders of the parade and for her continued role in this holiday celebration.

More information about this year’s Daisy Lane Parade and night of entertainment will be available in the coming weeks at longbeach.gov/daisyparade.