Celebrating Veterans Day in San Luis Obispo County? Here are a few patriotic events
San Luis Obispo County veterans and military families are in for a more mellow Veterans Day than usual.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and cases rise across the nation, many local annual celebrations are not taking place.
A number of local groups have stepped up to host special virtual or socially distanced events honoring those who have served their country.
Below is a list of some of those events, including times and locations, so you can give thanks to the veterans in our area.
Did we miss an event? Email reporter Kaytlyn Leslie at kleslie@thetribunenews.com and we’ll update the list.
Atascadero Faces of Freedom ceremony
A ceremony to honor veterans will be held at the Faces of Freedom Memorial in Atascadero at 11 a.m. Wednesday.
All attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, though some socially distanced spaced ones will be available, according to a post on the memorial’s Facebook page. Face masks are also encouraged.
The Estrella Warbirds military aircraft will fly over the memorial at 11 a.m.
According to the Facebook post, the program will shorter than in previous years. It will include a performance of “The Star Spangled Banner,” as well as speaker John Couch, the presentation of the Distinguished Veteran of the Year award, a wreath laying ceremony and the playing of “Taps.”
There will not be a barbecue or booths as in previous years.
Cambria free spaghetti feed
Cambria’s annual Veterans Day ceremony and barbecue put on by American Legion Post No. 432 and the Sons of the Legion was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Cambria Lions Club is holding a free spaghetti feed for the community as members honors the town’s vets and their families, friends and neighbors.
The drive-through event starts at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Veterans Memorial Building, 1000 Main St. in Cambria, and goes until 6 p.m. or until all the food has been served.
The event is being paid for by a “generous donor who wants to remain anonymous,” according to Lions President Aaron Linn.
He said meals will be distributed to drivers or passengers, and safe distancing and appropriate hygiene will be practiced. The free meal isn’t a fundraiser, Linn said, but donations to the club would be appreciated.
Nipomo vehicle salute to veterans
South County Veterans of Foreign Wars and Welcome Home Military Heroes will host a vehicle salute to veterans in Nipomo on Wednesday.
The groups will join together to honor 12 veterans living at a Nipomo assisted living home.
The cars will gather at the VFW, 140 S. Thompson St. in Nipomo, at 11:30 a.m. for a 15-minute briefing. Anyone who wishes to participate must attend the briefing.
South County Veterans of Foreign Wars will also host a live, streaming Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m., available to view on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/VFWSouthSLO.
Paso Robles museum open with special giveaways
Estrella Warbirds Museum in Paso Robles will be open for Veterans Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Veterans from all branches of the military get free admission, while admission for non-veteran adults is $10 apiece.
Veterans who arrive before noon will also receive free hamburgers.
Face masks are required and only 50 people will be allowed in the museum at 4251 Dry Creek Road at a time.
Pismo Beach holds virtual celebration
Unlike in the past, there will not be a Veterans Day event this year at the Pismo Beach Pier.
The Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce will instead host a virtual Veterans Day celebration on Wednesday starting at 11 a.m.
The event will be broadcast live and available to view at https://www.facebook.com/events/1220077045033878?active_tab=about.
Correction: This story previously said a hot dog lunch would be held in Pismo Beach on Veterans Day. It was held on Saturday.
This story was originally published November 9, 2020 at 12:58 PM.
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