In recognition of the 25th anniversary of September 11, this special section honors the resilience, service, and sacrifice that continues to shape our community. Alongside commemorative ceremonies, Kern County offers year-round resources that support veterans and active-duty service members through connection, healing, and shared remembrance. These ongoing efforts reflect our commitment to those who served and ensure their stories, strength, and legacy remain at the heart of our community.

SEPTEMBER 11

Taft’s Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast

The Taft Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast brings the community together in remembrance of September 11, honoring the lives lost and recognizing the courage of first responders and service members. Offering a moment of reflection, fellowship, and gratitude to remember the impact of that day and the unity that followed.

8:46 AM

661-765-2165

https://taftchamber.com/

Bakersfield Fire Department 9/11 25th Anniversary Ceremony

Bakersfield will commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks with a series of solemn tributes honoring the lives lost and the courage of first responders. The observances include a morning ceremony featuring local safety officials and color guards, followed by an evening Roll Call presented by Portrait of a Warrior Gallery to honor fallen Kern County heroes. Along Buena Vista Road, a powerful Line of Honor tribute will display 500 sponsored American flags, each bearing the name of a first responder or military service member. Together, these events offer a meaningful opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and community remembrance.

9:30 AM & 7 PM

9/11 Memorial Site at Fire Station 15

1315 Buena Vista Road

Bakersfield, CA 93311

https://bfdhistory.com/donate/sponsor-a-flag/

9/11 25th Anniversary Memorial Stair Climb

The Bakersfield Fire Department Wellness Team invites participants to join in honoring those who lost their lives 25 years ago. The climb will take place inside a 12‑story downtown building, where one lap consists of ascending a staircase to the top floor and descending the opposite side. Participants will complete a total of 10 laps, symbolically surpassing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center.

8 AM – 5 PM

Bank of America Building

1430 Truxtun Avenue

Bakersfield, CA, 93301

https://competitioncorner.net/events/22166/details

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Ongoing Veteran Happenings:

WEDNESDAYS

Vietnam PTSD Support Group

A weekly peer-led support group offering a safe space for Vietnam veterans coping with PTSD. Participants share experiences, build community, and access healing resources in a respectful, welcoming environment. For more information, contact George Garcia at 661-979-4579 or Al Cabrera at 661-301-6622.

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Portrait of a Warrior Gallery Education Room

1925 Eye Street

Bakersfield, CA 93301

661-479-5095

https://www.kern-warrior.org/

Veterans Breakfast @ Zingo’s Café

Where veterans enjoy breakfast, free coffee, and camaraderie. All branches welcome. ALL Veterans, Active Duty, and Reservists are welcome to attend. Representatives from Honor Flight Kern County are in attendance who can get you signed up for Honor Flight Trips.

8:00 AM

Zingo's Cafe

3201 Buck Owens Blvd.

Bakersfield, CA

https://www.facebook.com/ZingosCafe/

Free PTSD Kits for Veterans

For Veterans suffering from battlefield memories, which can be picked up by family members if needed. Contact Marc at 661-487-0350 for more information.

11:30 AM - 2:00 PM

American Legion Post 26

2020 H Street

Bakersfield, CA

661-487-0350

https://healvets.org/

Combat Trauma Healing for Veterans

Christian-based combat healing using the “Bridges to Healing” Series. Followed by discussion and review. A time for healing and camaraderie. For a FREE study manual and more information, contact Rick Knight at 661-889-7917.

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Portrait of a Warrior Education Room

1925 Eye Street

Bakersfield, CA

661-479-5095

https://www.kern-warrior.org/

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1ST THURSDAY OF MONTH

Flight Kern County Bakersfield Breakfast

FREE to ALL Honor Flight, all local WWII veterans. Please limit 1 guest, $10. No RSVP needed. Contact Karen Galyan (661) 301-4754

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Elks Lodge 266

1616 30th St.

Bakersfield, CA

661-527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org

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2ND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Lake Isabella Breakfast

For more information, contact Gary Zuber (760) 379-2109. Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events!

8 AM - 10 AM

VFW Hall

2811 Nugget Ave.

Lake Isabella, CA

661- 527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org

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3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Ridgecrest Breakfast

For more information, contact John Abbott at (619) 808-2223. Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events!

8 AM - 10 AM

Historic USO Building

230 W. Ridgecrest Blvd.

Ridgecrest, CA

661-527-3838

honorflightkerncounty.org

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3RD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH

WHF's Veteran Coffee & Doughnuts

Join local Kern County Veterans for coffee and Doughnuts for outreach and socialization. Connect with men and women from our local community and enjoy local fresh doughnuts, memories of yesteryear, and fresh coffee.

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Wounded Heroes Fund

3121 Standard Street

Bakersfield, CA 93308

661-328-8600

www.thewoundedheroesfund.org

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3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Breakfast Delano

For more information, call Anthony Cortez at 661-586-1173. Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events!

8 AM - 9 AM

Old General's Cafe

Hwy 99 & County Line Road

Delano, CA

661-527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org

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LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

Honor Flight Kern County Tehachapi Breakfast

Veterans FREE, guests $5. For more information, call Rick Zanutto (661) 331-7560.

9 AM

Christian Life AOG

920 W. Valley Blvd.

Tehachapi, CA

661- 527-3838

www.honorflightkerncounty.org

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Content sponsored by David Torres of Torres | Torres Stallings A Law Corporation