San Diego County communities will assemble across the region on and around Nov. 11 to salute those who served in the nation's military. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that local cities, veterans organizations, and community groups have planned a wide series of free parades, memorial services, and gatherings.
Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The federal holiday was renamed in 1954 to honor American veterans of all conflicts. Early observances begin ahead of the official holiday date. On Nov. 7 at 9:30 a.m., a Veterans Day celebration and dedication ceremony at the Alpine Veterans Wall of Honor inside the Alpine Community Center, located at 1830 Alpine Blvd., will add 14 local heroes to the wall.
Also on Nov. 7, the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South will host a 11 a.m. ceremony themed around the 250-year history of military service. The event features keynote speaker Donnie Edwards, former NFL linebacker and founder of the Best Defense Foundation, along with master of ceremonies Jason Austell. The Marine Band San Diego and vocalist Lily Brodie will provide music, alongside an aerial flyover and plaque dedications. A community gathering with food vendors and live music by the Full Strength Band will follow the main presentation.
National City will hold its annual Salute to Veterans parade and festival on Nov. 7 at Pepper Park, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hosted by the Maytime Band Association, the parade starts at 10:30 a.m. with floats, car clubs, and marching bands, followed by a noon ceremony.
Athletic events are also scheduled, including the Silver Strand Veterans Day run on Nov. 8. Organized by KOZ Events to benefit the Life Sports Foundation, the race includes half marathon, 10-mile, 12K, and 5K courses finishing at Coronado State Beach with a beach party and beer garden. On Nov. 11, La Valle Coastal Club will host a Veterans Day golf fundraiser scramble from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 5690 Cancha de Golf, benefiting organizations including the Foundation for Women Warriors, Workshops for Warriors, and Freedom Dogs.
On Nov. 11, multiple parades and central ceremonies will take place. The San Diego Veterans Day Parade runs along Harbor Drive from 10 to 11:30 a.m. between the County Administration Center and the USS Midway Museum. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria serves as local grand marshal for the march, which commemorates the 35th anniversary of Operation Desert Storm.
In North County, the Army and Navy Academy and the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad host their annual review from 10:45 a.m. to noon at Stephen M. Bliss Stadium, featuring guest speaker Col. Jason Shick, a flyover by the Salute Formation Flying Team, and a parade by the Corps of Cadets. In Escondido, Post 149, Brothers of 6 Charities, and Disabled American Veterans host the North County VetFest from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a parade around Grape Day Park, displays, and an 11 a.m. ceremony. Nearby at 321 North Broadway, VFW Post 1513 hosts an 11 a.m. tribute at the Wall of Courage.
Fallbrook will hold a 10 a.m. parade on Nov. 11 from Main Avenue and Fallbrook Street to Alvarado Street, led by grand marshal retired Marine Col. William Stehle, followed by an 11 a.m. ceremony at Village Square and lunch at VFW Post 1924.
Additional Nov. 11 observances include ceremonies at Chula Vista's Memorial Park Amphitheater with Mayor John McCann at 11 a.m., downtown El Cajon's courthouse flagpole at 11 a.m., American Legion San Dieguito Post 416 in Encinitas at 11 a.m., Imperial Beach's Dunes Park from noon to 4 p.m., the Veterans Association of North County Resource Center in Oceanside at 10 a.m. featuring Marine Corps veteran Chip Dykes, Poway Veterans Park at 11 a.m., and Webb Park in Rancho Bernardo at 10:45 a.m. featuring keynote speaker retired Navy Capt. Mike Fuqua.
