VETERANS DAY

More than a dozen events commemorating U.S service members will be held today, Veterans Day, in Sonoma, Lake and Mendocino counties. All events are free.

SONOMA -- Cost of Freedom Tribute, sponsored by Veterans of Foreign Wars Bear Flag Post 1943, at Sonoma Valley Veterans Memorial Building, features a replica of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, website at www.vfwpost1943.org for daily schedule.

PETALUMA -- Veterans Day Parade, 1 p.m., downtown Petaluma with grand marshal World War II veteran Stan Crandall, Russian T-34 tank, military aircraft flyovers, followed by program at Walnut Park, about 2:45 p.m., with prayer, speakers and singing.

PETALUMA -- Korean War Pilot Symposium, 4 p.m., Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building, 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S. with Air Force Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Robert F. Titus, Major James L. Brooks, Air Force Major Gen. (Ret.) Norman J. De Back Jr. and Air Force Col. (Ret.) John Lowery. 778-4398.

SANTA ROSA -- Intergeneration Flag ceremony honoring resident veterans, 3 p.m., Emeritus at Santa Rosa, 300 Fountain Grove Parkway, with Boy Scout Troop 121 presenting flags. 566-8600.

SANTA ROSA -- American Legion Post 21 annual gin fizz breakfast, 8-11 a.m., Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave.

SANTA ROSA -- Vietnam Veterans of America Redwood Empire Chapter 223 ceremony, 10:30 a.m., Veterans Memorial outside City Hall.

ROHNERT PARK -- 30th anniversary of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Grove, 3 p.m., Sonoma State University, with concert by 1970s rocker/activist Country Joe McDonald; keynote speaker Al Liner, co-founder of local Vietnam Veterans of America chapter; readings by local veterans, performance by Redwood Chordsmen, co-sponsored by Sonoma County Commission on Human Rights, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park Peace Officers Association, Redwood Cafe and The Sitting Room.

ROHNERT PARK -- Veterans Day Celebration, 3 p.m., Rohnert Park Community Center, 5401 Snyder Lane, speaker Rohnert Park Mayor Jake Mackenzie, Coast Guard Training Center Color Guard, flag retirement ceremony by Rohnert Park Girl Scouts Service Unit 6, performances by RP Community Band and RP Chorale and Friends, Avenue of the Flags placement by Bob Safreno of American Legion Post 338 and Boy Scout Troop 431. 585-6780.

HEALDSBURG -- Sotoyome American Legion Post 111 ceremony, 11 a.m. Healdsburg Plaza, rifle salute and taps.

SEBASTOPOL -- Veterans of Foreign Wars Gold Ridge Post 3919 ceremony, refreshments, 11 a.m., Sebastopol Veterans Memorial Building, 282 High St. 829-1707.

CLOVERDALE -- William Russell Ledford American Legion Post 293 ceremony, 7 p.m., Cloverdale Veterans Memorial Building, 1st and Commercial streets, speakers, refreshments, Healdsburg Community Band.

LAKEPORT -- Veterans Day Ceremony, Konocti Vista Casino, Clear Lake High School Band, Sea Scout Ship Konocti Phoenix Color Guard, rifle salute by Lake County United Veterans Council Military Funeral Honors Team, guest speakers, award presentations.

YOUNTVILLE -- Veterans Day Celebration, Veterans Home of California, fun run on the grounds, 9 a.m.; processional by Scottish American Military Society, 11 a.m.; Armistice Toast, 11:11 a.m., Main Dining Room; Dix Bruce Band, 1:30 p.m., Holderman Recreational Area. 944-4539.

-- Guy Kovner