Mount Diablo Beacon Shines as DeSaulnier Sets Walnut Creek Town Hall

Contra Costa County and the wider Bay Area are honoring military service members today with historic summit illuminations, commemorative parades, and upcoming constituent benefit services in Walnut Creek.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Schedules Walnut Creek Veterans Town Hall

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier announced that he will host a Veterans Town Hall and Resource Fair in Walnut Creek on Monday, November 23, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Center for Community Arts, located at 111 N. Wiget Lane. The afternoon resource fair will run across the full two-hour window from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., bringing together representatives from federal agencies and local veterans organizations to assist former service members with available benefits and support services.

During the event, DeSaulnier will lead a town hall session scheduled from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to provide an update on his legislative work in Congress involving veterans. Veterans and members of the press can RSVP or request accommodations by emailing CA10.RSVP@mail.house.gov or calling (925) 933-2660.

Historic ‘Eye of Diablo’ Beacon Shines Atop Mount Diablo

Visible for miles across Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord, and surrounding valleys, the historic beacon atop Mount Diablo will be lit tonight in honor of Veterans Day as a tribute to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Known locally as the “Eye of Diablo,” the summit light was first dedicated by aviator Charles Lindbergh in 1928 and originally operated as an aviation navigation guide before being darkened during World War II. Today, the beacon is illuminated annually on three solemn occasions—Veterans Day, Pearl Harbor Day, and Memorial Day—to recognize the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.

Regional Ceremonies Span Danville, Alameda, and San Jose

Throughout Wednesday, communities across the region gathered for public Veterans Day observances. In neighboring Danville, a pop-up museum opened at 9 a.m. ahead of an 11 a.m. veterans ceremony, showcasing historical displays for the nation’s 250th anniversary, including a Vietnam War-era Huey helicopter and preserved locks of hair from George Washington and Alexander Hamilton.

Along the East Bay waterfront in Alameda, the aircraft carrier USS Hornet opened to the public at 10 a.m. for an 11 a.m. commemoration featuring a wreath laying and ceremonial flyover. In the South Bay, San Jose hosted its 108th annual Veterans Day parade—the largest Veterans Day celebration in Northern California—beginning with an 11 a.m. pre-parade ceremony at Plaza de San Jose followed by the downtown procession at noon.