2025 Veterans Day Ceremony & Community Celebration BBQ

Annual Veterans Day Ceremony in San Luis Obispo to Feature Retired Naval Officer and Former White House Presidential Communications Officer as Keynote Speaker

SAN LUIS OBISPO – Join us at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 11th for an annual Veterans Day Ceremony taking place outside at the Veterans Memorial Museum in San Luis Obispo located at 801 Grand Avenue, co-hosted with American Legion, Post #66.

 The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum is honored to welcome LCDR John E. Krause, USN (Ret.) as this year’s keynote speaker for the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony beginning at 10:00 AM on November 11, 2025, at 801 Grand Avenue in San Luis Obispo.

From nuclear submarines to the White House, LCDR John E. Krause dedicated his 24-year career to safeguarding America. As a Presidential Communications Officer with the White House Communications Agency, he was entrusted with critical national security communications for two U.S. Presidents—playing a vital communications role on September 11, 2001, and throughout the War on Terror. His service stands as a remarkable chapter of the courage, readiness, and duty we honor on Veterans Day.

This year’s ceremony will also honor local Central Coast Veterans for their service from WWII to Post 9/11, including two local 105-year-old World War II veterans—one a survivor of the Bataan Death March and the other a member of the legendary Flying Tigers. The program will include a patriotic musical performance by the San Luis Obispo County Band with the Morro Bay White Caps and a Presentation of the Colors.

The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum will be open from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM on Veterans Day, with a new special displays debuting in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Visitors are also invited to explore the newly expanded permanent exhibits, featuring rare artifacts and historical displays from local veterans. Even if you have visited before, be sure to stop by and experience the museum’s new additions and tribute collections, free admission and family friendly.

Following the ceremony, American Legion Post 66 will host a community BBQ lunch, serving tri-tip plates free to attendees. The Community Celebration will also include a bounce house, games, and a kids’ craft table, as well as a Vitalant Blood Drive on site during the event (please sign up in advance via the Vitalant website).

The Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum is seeking a small team of volunteers to assist with event setup at 8:00 AM the morning of the ceremony including setting up chairs and hanging flags. Those interested in volunteering may contact the museum at [email protected].