CARMEL--U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is back in his hometown of Carmel.
Panetta who grew up in Carmel, is the guest speaker tonight at the Carmel Mission Basilica.
He's helping kick off a year-long celebration honoring the life and contributions of Blessed Junipero Serra.
The festivites include a reception gala with silent and live auctions.
The Consul General of Spain was also there.
The Secretary says this was not a political trip but rather a personal one away from Washington.