Santa Monica Celebrates Veterans Day

November 11, 2020 2:53 PM
by Constance Farrell

Today, November 11, 2021, we celebrated Veterans Day in a virtual ceremony alongside the Los Angeles Army Recruitment Battalion and the California Army National Guard in Beach Lot 1 North adjacent to the Santa Monica Pier. On this day, each year, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and love of the country of those who have served our country in the Armed Forces.  

Here are remarks from the ceremony and you can view it in its entirety below:

 

 

Mayor Sue Himmelrich served as the emcee, welcoming participants and introducing Councilmember Gleam Davis, mother to a West Point graduate and Army Officer. The council member shared:

To each of our veterans here, I am sure that your time in the Armed Forces left an indelible mark on your life, and I want you to know that that service has also shaped the lives of every person with us today and indeed every citizen of our great country. 

 

I am sure that this past year has tested you and may have caused pain. Watching our final days in Afghanistan was heart wrenching and may have raised question about your years of dedicated service. To all of our American heroes who served in Afghanistan and in the Middle East, including members of the City of Santa Monica family, your service mattered and thank you. 

Thank you for your valor, your love of country, and your spirit of service. In moments like the one we find ourselves in now, service has never been more essential to humanity.  

Now if you’ll indulge me in a moment of education because I think it is important to know how November 11 was chosen as the date to honor our veterans.  

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.  

Today, is about demonstrating our collective gratitude by gathering to thank our veterans for all their sacrifices and those of their families.  

Now, please join me in a moment of silence to honor our veterans. 

While today we gather here in this gorgeous setting, just over on the bluffs there in Palisades Park stand five pillars that honor each branch of our military: the Army, the Navy, the Marines, the Airforce, and the Coast Guards.  

Twenty years ago, we designated the Veterans Memorial as a special place for people to reflect, remember, and show respect for those who gave their lives and those who have returned from battle. I hope that during the month of November everyone here and everyone watching will visit this site symbolizing peace and healing.

  

Please also take time this month to reach out to the veterans in your life to offer a personal thank you. Small moments of gratitude make a meaningful difference and pale in comparison to the years of service in the Armed Forces many of our fellow citizens have given.  

In closing, I want to thank the Los Angeles Army Recruitment Battalion and the California Army National Guard for being terrific partners in today’s program. 

Authored By

Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager