LA JOLLA, Calif. -- The Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial in La Jolla, Calif. honored veterans Nov. 11 with a ceremony themed “If you love freedom, thank a veteran.”

What started as Armistice Day to honor those who lost their lives in World War I, November 11 was proclaimed as a national holiday, Veterans Day in 1918.

Each year, Veterans Day is celebrated across the country to remember those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. armed services. The ceremony held at the memorial, Peter B. Wilson, a former Marine and governor of California, spoke at the event and had many positive things to say about the veterans in the San Diego area.

“Freedom is priceless,” explained Wilson. “It has made (the United States) a beacon of hope. Freedom is remarkably precious and it’s what gives us life in this nation.”

The Navy Band Southwest played various military songs including The Marines’ Hymn and America the Beautiful.

The Hometown Fiddlers, a group of high school students from Boulder City, Nev., also played patriotic musical selections, including Johnny Comes Marching Home.

“We are a very patriotic group,” explained Adam Schultheis, the group’s music teacher and founder. “It’s an honor to play here today.”

The group of high school musicians played at various events such as The National World War II dedication in 2004 and the Ronald Regan Presidential Library dedication, added Schultheis. The day of celebration ended with a fly-over pass by the San Diego Salute, a civilian flight demonstration team.

The team, who participates in numerous patriotic events throughout the year, flew a ‘missing man formation’ in a four-plane formation. As the World War II airplanes flew over the large cross that sits on top of the memorial, one plane pulled away from the formation, saluting the military veterans who have passed away.