To: Board of Supervisors
Department or Agency Name(s): Human Services
Staff Name and Phone Number: Angela Struckmann 707-565-5800, Mark Orlando 707-565-5900
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Recommended Action:
Title
Adopt a Gold Resolution honoring November 11, 2026, as Veterans Day in Sonoma County
End
Executive Summary:
Veterans Day was established in 1919 as Armistice Day to commemorate the signing of the peace agreement that ended World War I on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Sonoma County joins the country in honoring Veterans Day on November 11, 2026.
Discussion:
In proclaiming Armistice Day in 1919, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson said: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory.” In 1938, a Congressional Act made Armistice Day a legal holiday on November 11 of each year. In 1954, the veterans’ service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans.” President Eisenhower signed a bill establishing Veterans Day as a national holiday. He proclaimed, “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose….”
There are approximately 20,000 Sonoma County veterans whom we honor on Veterans Day. Many veterans remain unaware of, or do not use, the benefits and services they are eligible to receive. Though a majority of these veterans may be eligible for medical care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), only approximately 7,500 are enrolled and accessing health care through the VA. Of the total veteran population in the County:
- The highest population is 60-79 years old (Vietnam-era)
- Approximately 6% are women
- 84% are Wartime Veterans
- Approximately 25% are receiving some form of disability compensation or non-service disability pension from the VA
The Human Services Veterans Service Office (VSO) plays a key role in ensuring that all veterans in Sonoma County are aware of and have access to the services and benefits that they earned through their service to our nation.
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025, the VSO helped bring over $14 million in new and retroactive compensation and pension benefits to Sonoma County Veterans.
The VSO regularly collaborates with the VA’s community-based outpatient clinic in Santa Rosa, Santa Rosa Junior College, the Vet Center, and the Sonoma County United Veterans Council. The United Veterans Council represents over 30 Sonoma County veterans’ organizations and various community-based organizations such as Vietnam Veterans of California. Veterans’ organizations and veteran volunteers throughout the community work tirelessly along with the VSO to help veterans get connected to benefits.
Additionally, many local agencies actively serve veterans in our community. Some examples include: Regional Parks disabled veteran day-use park access permits; Tax Assessor disabled veteran property tax exemption; Sonoma County Transit Veterans Ride Free program; Santa Rosa City Bus; Department of Health Services participation in VetConnect outreach activities for homeless veterans; Human Services Department (HSD) Economic Assistance eligibility staff helping homeless veterans access benefits at VetConnect; HSD Employment and Training staff helping veterans find employment; and the significant County contribution to establish the Palms Inn as an opportunity to create housing for up to 75 homeless veterans.
The VSO continues to facilitate a local Veteran ID card program, which allows low income or homeless veterans to access health care and other services with free transportation on Sonoma County transit and Santa Rosa CityBus.
The outstanding support from local government agencies, combined with supportive community-based organizations and the VA, makes Sonoma County a great place to be a veteran. The veterans of Sonoma County are appreciative of the Board of Supervisors’ support of the VSO and of the entire veteran community.
Prior Board Actions:
Each year since 2014, the Board has adopted a resolution honoring November 11 as Veterans Day in Sonoma County.
Fiscal Summary
Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
None
Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
None
Attachments:
Resolution
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
None