Shutdown reshapes Veterans Day ceremony at Mt. Soledad

The ongoing government shutdown, the longest in history, is impacting airports, food benefits and federal offices.

The annual Veterans Day ceremony at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial wasn’t spared either.

A cessation of many federal activities and the furlough of federal staff prevented many familiar sights from happening during Saturday’s ceremony at the memorial, which marked the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps.

The energetic snare drum pulse and melodies of John Philip Sousa, typically the territory of Marine Band San Diego at Mt. Soledad events, were handled by La Jolla High School music students.

The ensemble had a month to learn marches that were at a new level for the students, said Richard LeGerrette, a teacher at the school who directed the students.

“They were a little wide-eyed at the beginning,” LeGerrette said. “Here’s a bunch of material that you guys got to learn real quick. They tackled it.”

Another pinch hit, for color guard duties, came from the NJROTC at Canyon Hills High School.

“It’s not the same events that we usually do,” said Jorge Alatorre, a junior at the school who’s the commander of the unit. “It was definitely different, but we were very honored to have the opportunity to do this.”

But plenty of the sentiment and sights that mark events at Mt. Soledad remained the same Saturday.

The plush contrails of a military flyover. Veterans and their loved ones seated at the mountain’s beautiful vista. Speeches marked by a deep reverence for how the military has served and shaped the United States.

This Veterans Day in San Diego coincides with the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps, two institutions long intertwined with the fabric and people of the city.

That history dates back to 1846 amid the Mexican-American War.

Marines landed in San Diego to take the city, and for the first time, plunged the American flag into ground that is now Old Town. Months later, Marines fought Mexican forces at the Battle of San Pasqual near Escondido.

By the early 20th century, the Marines and the Navy, through recruiting depots, air stations, ships and more, established what has become a lasting presence in the city.

“Leaders from both parties have advocated for infrastructure, protected jobs and honored veterans, ensuring San Diego remains not just a training ground, but a permanent home for those who served,” retired Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Paul Lebidine told the ceremony’s audience.

Other remarks captured the diverse experience of what it means to serve.

Lebidine recounted an appearance made by comedian George Gobel on “The Tonight Show” in the 1960s. After getting laughed at by the audience when he said he was stationed in Oklahoma during World War II, Gobel quipped, “Remember, not one Japanese aircraft got past Tulsa.”

“His humor carried a more profound truth,” Lebidine said. “Every role and responsibility in military service matters. Whether walking point, maintaining vehicles, serving food or providing administration, each contribution strengthens the mission and safeguards the nation.”

For retired Marine Corps Capt. Jim Wheyland, named Veteran of the Year by the memorial’s association, the history of San Diego and the military are seared into his early life.

Growing up in Julian, his family owned a tourist camp of cabins. During World War II, young men stayed in their cabins on their way west for deployment.

“I know that was the last time a lot of them saw the continental United States,” Wheyland said. “That stuck with me, and it was one of the reasons that inspired me to join the military.”

From western outpost to Navy Town, USA, San Diego’s history is tightly woven with the military’s