Photo 1: A crowd estimated at 300 people, above, pauses for a closing prayer during the annual Paso Robles Veterans Day Ceremony at the Paso Robles District Cemetery. Photo 2: Members of the VFW Post No. 10695 and American Legion Post 50 Honor Guard fire off during the Paso Robles Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo 3: Lt. Col. Kevin Bohn, camp director of logistics for Camp San Luis Obispo, delivers his keynote speech during the 2009 Paso Robles Veterans Day Ceremony. Bohn’s speech focused in part on recognizing the many sacrfifices that the men and women in the armed forces have given. Photo 4: Scouts from Pack 92 at Paso Robles Cemetery for a Veterans Day Ceremony. From left, Sam Collins, Spencer Karnafel, Caleb Cantrell and Grant Scheiffele. Photo 5: Veterans of Foreign Wars [VFW] former commander John Burke reads a poem for veterans during the annual Veteran\'s Day Ceremony in Paso Robles. Photos by Josh Petray.

An estimated 300 people gathered at the Paso Robles District Cemetery last Wednesday in honor of Veterans Day.

This year, the crowd paused to honor those who have served in wars overseas, ranging from the current Gulf War II and any other conflicts still fighting to Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Desert Storm, Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II and World War I.

Flanked by a line of motorcycles driven by the American Legion Post. No. 50 on the cemetery roadway and surrounded by the hundreds of American flags placed on the grave sites throughout the cemetery and other preparations, the crowd was greeted by a flyover from the Estrella Warbirds, followed by a presentation by Master of Ceremonies Milton Black, commander of VFW Post No. 10695 and the pledge of allegiance and invocation.

This year\'s speakers included John Bertoni, Paso Robles District Cemetery Board of Trusteees member, who offered remarks, a welcome address by Paso Robles Mayor Duane Picanco, songs by Linda Tedeschi, a speech from keynote speaker Lt. Col. Kevin Bohn, camp director of logistics for Camp San Luis Obispo, a poem for veterans by former VFW Commander John Burke and closing prayer by Bridge Christian Church Pastor Tim Mensing.

Honor guard was performed by VFW Post No. 10695 and American Legion Post No. 50. Taps was played by Ray Barksdale.

Prior to the ceremony, flags were placed at all identified veterans\' graves by members of the American Legion Post No. 50 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 10695, along with local Boy and Cub scouts. Members of the American Legion, VFW and Women\'s Auxiliary also placed wreaths.

Following the ceremony, participants were invited to enjoy refreshments provided by the cemetery board and complimentary lunch by Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home.



For the complete article see the 11-13-2009 issue.

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