The Stories Behind Marin's Veterans Day Celebration Go Beyond The Ceremony

SAN RAFAEL, CA — Marin County will honor military veterans at its annual Veterans Day ceremony Wednesday, featuring a judge who oversees the county's Veterans Treatment Court as the keynote speaker.

Judge Ahtossa Fullerton, appointed to the Marin County Superior Court in 2024, will address attendees during the ceremony at the Marin County Civic Center's Exhibit Hall. Fullerton handles cases in the Veterans Treatment Court, a program that offers eligible veterans a rehabilitative alternative to incarceration.

Marin launched the specialized court in 2021 in partnership with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and local service providers. Successful completion of the program can allow participants to avoid incarceration and clear their legal records, according to the county.

The event is sponsored by Marin County and hosted by the Marin County United Veterans Council. Doors open at 9 a.m. at the Exhibit Hall, 20 Avenue of the Flags, in San Rafael. The Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Non-Marching Band, known locally as the Sewer Band, will perform patriotic and military music beginning at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m.

The program will include a presentation of colors, a bagpiper, performances by the Marin Golden Gate Barbershop Chorus and recognition of local veterans and elected officials. Sean Stephens, a U.S. Army veteran and president of the United Veterans Council, will serve as master of ceremonies.

Visitors can also enjoy complimentary coffee and doughnuts, meet representatives from veterans' organizations and view vintage military vehicles from the Joe Garbarino collection outside the Exhibit Hall.

Marin County's Veterans Services Office helps veterans and their families access benefits and connect with mental health, medical, education and other services. The office is located at 10 North San Pedro Road in San Rafael and can be reached at 415-473-6193.