Photos By Camas Frank ~
The San Luis Obispo Downtown Association held a belated Veteran’s Day Celebration Nov. 12 during the weekly Thursday Market.
The event took the extra step of closing off Chorro Street between Monterey and Higuera with booths from 17 veterans organizations, including — American Legion Post 66, Honor Flights Central Coast, Military Parents of the Central Coast, SLO Submarine Veterans, and Ampusurf.
Both the Cal Poly ROTC Honor Guard and Cadet Corps took part in a procession from the end of the Market at Higuera and Nipomo to the main stage at Chorro and Monterey.
They were joined by the Grizzly Youth Academy Drill Team followed by a select group of Vietnam-era vets and members of the American Legion Post.
Featured guest speaker was SLO County District Attorney and military veteran, Dan Dow, with prayers and benediction by long time event participant retired Navy Chaplain, Bill Houston.
Houston read from his own composition, which changes with each year. He said, in part: “In this memorial, made sacred by their sacrifice, we recognize our veterans. We know the hardships they have endured and know the sacrifices they have made in the risks taken and loneliness they suffered… They served faithfully and they are OUR veterans and they are home. We welcome them home…”
