Annual Nov. 11 Veterans Day Ceremony Moves to a New Beachside Location for 2026

October 29, 2026 3:35 PM

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2026) - The city of Santa Monica will join the U.S. Army for a Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in Beach Parking Lot 4, between Santa Monica Beach and Crescent Bay Park.

Now in its seventh year, the event will feature live performances, a Chinook helicopter flyover, remarks from senior military leaders and local elected officials and more. The ceremony portion of the event will take place from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by music and entertainment from noon to 1 p.m.

Begun as a private gathering at the Santa Monica Veterans Memorial in 2020, the annual Veterans Day event has grown into a major community celebration bringing together veterans, service members, military families, distinguished leaders, and neighbors to honor veterans and their service to our county.

The event program will include:

• Welcome remarks by councilmember and Army Veteran Dan Hall
• Posting of Colors performed by the U.S. Army Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion
• National Anthem performance by Rora Wilde
• A Chinook/C-130 flyover from Coulson Aviation
• Remarks from Mayor Caroline Torosis
• Remarks from Major General Dianne Del Rosso, Deputy Chief of Army Reserve
• Remarks from Medal of Honor Recipient Gary Littrell
• Performance of God Bless the USA by Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren
• Keynote speech from General Ronald P. Clark, Commanding General, U.S. Army
• Performance of God Bless America by the 300th Army Band
• Future soldier swearing-in ceremony by Major General Shane Buzza, Commanding General, 63rd Readiness Division
• Closing remarks by Dan Hall, followed by Retiring of Colors and the Service Medley by the 300th Army Band
• Free ride tickets for veterans and active military members (courtesy of Pacific Park)
• Free meals for veterans and active military members and information on meal resources (courtesy of Meals on Wheels)
• Music and entertainment provided by Rora Wilde/iHeartRadio

"As America celebrates its 250th birthday, we are reminded that the freedoms we enjoy today were earned and preserved through the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of generations of American service members and veterans," former Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Sonki Hong, who organized the event, said. "This Veterans Day is especially meaningful as we come together as a community to honor those who have worn our nation's uniform, recognize those who continue to serve, and inspire future generations to carry forward the values that have made America strong for 250 years."

Media Contact

Melinda Espinoza
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
[email protected]

Categories

Arts, Culture & Fun, Community Events

Departments

City Manager's Office

More Information

Photo 1
Photo 2
Photo 3