This year’s edition commemorated the 250-year milestone anniversaries of the US Navy and Marine Corps with remarks by two keynote speakers, plaque dedications and a flyover by the San Diego Salute Aerial Formation Team.

“Our mission has always been clear: to honor veterans and preserve their stories,” Memorial Association Executive Director Neil O’Connell said.

Veterans Day began as Armistice Day in 1919, marking the end of World War I a year earlier on Nov 11, 1918. The name changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor the service of all US military veterans.

The La Jolla memorial has stood since 1952 “as one of San Diego’s most cherished landmarks, a place of reflection, healing and pride,” O’Connell said.

Now bearing about 6,700 plaques, “these walls tell a story of courage, of sacrifice, of love and deep devotion to patriotism of our country,” he said, forming “a living archive of American service.”

The US Navy and Marine Corps are “two forces whose proud traditions are woven into the fabric of this city,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said, “a cornerstone of our American military.”

San Diego’s military history dates to 1901, with the establishment of the US Naval Coaling Station at La Playa on Point Loma.

Other military installations soon followed, including the now-defunct Camp Matthews, a Marine Corps rifle station in La Jolla from 1917 until 1964, when the land became part of the nascent UC San Diego.

San Diego is now home to several military bases and more than 115,000 active service members.

“Every role and responsibility in military service matters,” keynote speaker US Marine Corps Brigadier Gen Paul Lebidine (Ret) said.

“We honor you, and we are grateful for you,” Gloria said.

Looking for more La Jolla events? Head to our Events page for the best goings-on.