American Legion holds Veterans Day ceremony in Orcutt

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -

Veterans Day ceremonies are being held across the Central Coast today to honor the men and women who serve our country.
One of those events was held by the American Legion at Pine Grove Cemetery in Orcutt.

The keynote speaker at the ceremony was Major General Stephen Whiting of the 14th Air Force. The event recognized our veterans here at home along with our allies who fought alongside America in World War I. This included service members from Australia, Canada and Great Britain, all who joined American servicemen and women to honor those who fight for our freedom.

Maj. Gen. Stephen Whiting - 14th Air Force Commander
"The American people and the countryman of our allies have observed this day to honor those who are willing to risk their lives for their country," said Major General Stephen Whiting of the 14th Air Force Commander.

The ceremony was full of symbolism and tradition.

The National Anthem was sung as servicemen and women stood in salute.

American allied servicemen stood before the crowd reciting a poem.

"Short days ago we lived, felt dawn, felt sunset glow, " said a British serviceman speaker.

The poem spoke of their pledged to never forget those that fight for our liberties.

"At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them," said another serviceman speaker.

"Given that, at Vanderberg, we now have such a strong representation from our Australian, Canadian, and British allies we thought this would be a great opportunity to share in our traditions," said Major General Whiting.

The day marked the 100th anniversary for Veterans Day, which started in 1919.

"The real importance is saying thank you to those veterans who wore the nation's cloth and served in times of war and peace," said Major General Whiting.

There are 19 million veterans living in the United States and today we salute them all.