Veterans Honored In Walnut Creek Ceremony

At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11th at the Lesher Center, the people of Walnut Creek took time to celebrate its own veterans and families who sacrificed their lives in the service of their country.

Mayor Bob Simmons gave the opening address, introductions, and the closing statement. He said it’s important for people to come together on Veterans Day each year.

“These are individuals who gave of themselves, so that we as a nation and a people can continue to be free,” said Simmons. “I think we owe them a debt of gratitude, and this ceremony is one of the ways that we repay that debt.”

Simmons also said Sunday's ceremony gave him a good perspective on the city's top office. 

“Being mayor is an opportunity to give to your community. What I like about events like today's, it really brings members of the community together in a way that is positive and reinforces the value of what the Veterans have done for our community.” 

The keynote speaker was Captain Davis Yuers of the Air Force National Reserve, who recently returned from deployment in Djibouti, Africa.

Yuers told the audience of his life-long goal to help save lives and serve his country. He presented a 17-minute slide show about his years in the military.

Additionally, Yuers talked about his years as a child. He wanted to be a pilot, but wasn’t able to because of his vision. He was most fond of his aviation merit badge he received in Boy Scouts.

Yuers presented two videos that chronicled the simulated rescue missions that he worked on during his time in Djibouti.

The Walnut Creek Concert Band performed the Armed Forces Salute while members of the Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force and Navy stood to be recognized.