Marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, the Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum invites the community to remember, reflect, and help preserve the stories of a day that changed America.
A free exhibit, “On 9/11, I Remember . . . Reflections 25 Years Later” is open through early October to present the events of that day and the lasting impact they had on the nation, the military and generations of veterans and their families. Special tours for schools and civic groups can be arranged.
Nearly everyone old enough to remember 9/11 has a story. Some watched the events unfold on television. Others heard the news while drinking their morning coffee, driving to work, sitting in a classroom or through a telephone call from someone they loved.
For military members, veterans, and their families, the consequences of that day continued for years through service and sacrifice.
The special exhibit, curated by museum volunteer Steve David, was inspired in part by the powerful reflections shared by retired Navy officer John Krause, who visited San Luis Obispo last year as the 2025 keynote speaker at the museum’s annual Veterans Day ceremony.
At the exhibit you can add your story to a Community Reflection Journal to help create a collective record of how September 11 was experienced and remembered on the Central Coast.
If unable to visit the exhibit, you can send an email or mail your handwritten entry to the museum.
Children and younger generations who do not personally remember 9/11 also are encouraged to participate by sharing what September 11 means to them today through words or artwork.
The museum is open at 801 Grand Avenue in San Luis Obispo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free.