Santa Monica Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Veterans Memorial

November 12, 2019 2:00 PM
by Miranda Iglesias

 Photo credit: Martin L. Jacobs

Every year, we reserve Veteran's Day to pay respect and express our gratitude to all the brave men and women who have served our country and sacrificed to preserve the great freedoms we all enjoy today. November 11th is the day the US signed the armistice that ended our first World War. Over 100,000 Americans made the ultimate sacrifice and died in service of their country. Since then, the US has fought in six major wars. Each time, calling on the men and women in our military to brave the battleground and fight for our country.  

Not only is Veteran's Day an important day to honor the service of our Veterans, but 2019 marks the 20th anniversary of Santa Monica's Veteran Memorial at Palisades Park. 

For 20 years, the five pillars of the Veteran's Memorial in Palisades Park honor each branch of our military, the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Airforce, and the Coast Guards. The Santa Monica Veterans Memorial symbolizes peace and healing. So as the sun moves across the sky, the five pillars were designed to align with the setting sun each day on Veterans Day, just as all five branches of the military come together in times of need to protect our country. The memorial is designated as a special place for people to reflect, remember, and show respect for those that gave their lives and those who have returned from battle. 

Thank you to our veterans for all their sacrifices and those of their families. 

If you were unable to attend on Monday, below are a couple photos from the ceremony.

 

 

 

Michael Lindley, Veteran's for Peace, received a commendation for the volunteer group who have been stewards of the Arlington Memorial West, a display on Santa Monica Beach that provides us an important reminder of all the soldiers we lost in the Iraq War.

 

 

 

Authored By

Miranda Iglesias
Public Information Coordinator