This year's Veterans Day celebrations in Sonoma County

Veterans Day weekend is upon and we're feeling especially grateful and thankful for the men and women who have served our country. Veterans Day, celebrated every year on November 11th, is a nationwide holiday where people across the country take a day to honor those who have served or are currently serving in our military.

Here in Sonoma County, we take pride in the parades and events that are held in honor of these brave men and women. This year, we also honor the first responders who came to our county's defense in the face of wildfires.

Check out our list of activities for you and your family to go and enjoy this Veterans Day weekend.

1. The annual Veterans Day Parade in Petaluma is the largest Veterans Day Parade north of the Golden Gate. The festivities will be starting at noon with an hour of live music in the gazebo, which will lead to a 1 p.m. start time for the parade. The parade starts off in the historic downtown Petaluma and ends in Walnut Park. The parade honors the men and women who have served our nation, defended our country and fought for our freedom. A Huey Helicopter will fly over the parade as well. A recognition will be held for all of the first responders who battled the recent fires that destructed Sonoma County.

Information at petalumaveteransparade.com.

2. Sonoma Veterans Day Observance: The Veterans of Foreign Wars Bear Flag Post 1943 will be observing the holiday at the Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building in Sonoma. The morning will be complete with a free breakfast to all veterans, their families, and guests beginning at 9:30 a.m., with a ceremony to follow. Breakfast is on a first-come, first-served basis and proof of veteran eligibility must be shown.

3. Rohnert Park Veterans Day Event: Join the City of Rohnert Park honoring veterans & active duty military at 11 a.m. at the Rohnert Park Community Center. Free to attend.

Information at ci.rohnert-park.ca.us

4. Healdsburg American Legion celebrates Veterans Day: The American Legion Sotoyome Post 111 will present a flag ceremony and gun salute at 10 a.m. at the Healdsburg Plaza and at 11 a.m. at the Windsor Town Green.

Information at www.healdsburgamericanlegion.org.