Saluting Service: Military Appreciation & Memorial Day Happenings
Thank you all for your service.
by Lisa Keosouphanh
Thank you all for your service.
by Lisa Keosouphanh
Apr 30, 2026
May is Military Appreciation Month—a time when Kern County proudly pauses to honor the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of our veterans, active‑duty service members, and their families. Throughout the month, our community comes together in gratitude, offering connection, support, and meaningful ways to celebrate those who have served. From weekly veteran gatherings to healing programs and Memorial Day traditions, these local happenings remind us that honoring service is something we do not just in May, but all year long.
Vietnam PTSD Support Group
Every Wednesday
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
661-479-5095
https://www.kern-warrior.org/
Combat Trauma Healing for Veterans
Every Wednesday
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 AM
661-479-5095
https://www.kern-warrior.org/
FREE PTSD Kits for Veterans
Every Wednesday
FREE PTSD Kits 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 PM.
661-487-0350
https://healvets.org/
Veterans Breakfast at Zingo’s Café
Every Wednesday
Veterans can 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 AM
661-321-0627
https://www.facebook.com/ZingosCafe/
Bakersfield’s Veteran Breakfast at Elks Lodge
First Thursday of the Month
Seating is available for 240 Honor Flight (HF) veterans. Veteran meals are FREE; all other plates are $10. Veterans, please wear your BLUE HF shirt and name badges. Tables are limited for Senior Living buses, please PM us your RSVP!
9 AM
661-527-3838
https://www.honorflightkerncounty.org/upcoming-events/
Honor Flight Kern County Lake Isabella Breakfast
On the second Thursday of the month
Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge for all events! For more information, contact Gary Zuber (760) 379-2109.
8 AM - 10 AM
661-527-3838
honorflightkerncounty.org
Honor Flight Kern County Ridgecrest Breakfast
On the third Thursday of the month
Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events! For more information, contact John Abbott at (619) 808-2223.
8 AM - 10 AM
661-527-3838
honorflightkerncounty.org
Honor Flight Kern County Tehachapi Breakfast
On the fourth Saturday of the month
Last Saturday of the month. Veterans FREE, guests $5. For more information, call Rick Zanutto (661) 331-7560. Please wear your Honor Flight shirt & name badge to all events!
9 AM
661-527-3838
honorflightkerncounty.org
Honor Flight Kern County Delano Breakfast
On the third Friday of the month
Third Friday of the month. 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.
661-527-3838
honorflightkerncounty.org
MAY 23 - 25
KRVAA Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Festival
Kern River Valley Art Association is hosting a three-day handmade arts and craft festival to celebrate Memorial Day!
SAT-SUN: 9 AM – 5 PM.
MON: 9 AM – 1 PM.
(760) 478-0077
krvaa.org
MAY 24
Annual Thousand Flags Fun Run & Memorial Walk
Family-friendly 5k run and walk! The awe-inspiring event showcases over 1,000 American flags on display to honor those we have lost. The 5k course winds its way through the scenic flag-adorned park and down the multi-use trail adjacent to the park and is suitable for both runners and walkers.
7 AM – 10 AM
BakersfieldBreakfastRotary@gmail.com
https://bbrc.org/
MAY 25
Memorial Day Ceremony
A ceremony to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Memorial Day Ceremony will be a time of reflection, gratitude, and community unity as we pay tribute to our fallen heroes.
11 AM
(661) 822-3228
https://www.tvrpd.org/memorial-day-ceremony
