Santa Monica Veterans Day Ceremony 2026

Santa Monica is marking Veterans Day with a seventh annual ceremony, and this year it has a new address. The program moves off the Pier to Beach Parking Lot 4, between Santa Monica Beach and Crescent Bay Park, so the whole thing plays out with the Pacific as a backdrop. It is one of the more moving free things happening in Los Angeles on November 11.

When: Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 11 AM to 1 PM Where: Beach Parking Lot 4, Santa Monica, CA 90401 Price: Free and open to the public

What the program looks like

The formal ceremony runs from 11 AM to noon, followed by music and entertainment from noon to 1 PM. According to the City of Santa Monica, the lineup includes welcome remarks from councilmember and Army veteran Dan Hall, the Posting of Colors by the U.S. Army Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion, and the national anthem sung by Rora Wilde.

A Chinook and C-130 flyover from Coulson Aviation is on the schedule, along with remarks from Mayor Caroline Torosis, Major General Dianne Del Rosso and Medal of Honor recipient Gary Littrell. General Ronald P. Clark, Commanding General of the U.S. Army, gives the keynote. Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren performs "God Bless the USA," and the 300th Army Band plays "God Bless America" and closes with a service medley after the Retiring of Colors. A future soldier swearing-in ceremony is also part of the morning.

A ceremony that grew

The city says the event began in 2020 as a private gathering at the Santa Monica Veterans Memorial. It has since become a community celebration that brings together veterans, service members, military families and neighbors. Organizer Sonki Hong, a former Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, ties this year's gathering to America's 250th birthday.

For veterans and active military

The city lists free ride tickets for veterans and active military members, courtesy of Pacific Park, plus free meals and information on meal resources from Meals on Wheels. Bring ID or proof of service if you plan to ask about either, and check the city's announcement for current details.

Practical info

The new site is a beach parking lot, not the Pier, so look for Lot 4 on the map before you head out. Weekday beach traffic and parking fill up, so give yourself extra time or take transit into Santa Monica. Dress for coastal weather, since November mornings by the water can be breezy, and bring sunglasses for the flyover.

If you are mapping out upcoming events Los Angeles has this week, this one pairs well with a walk along the shore afterward. For more nearby picks, browse the Santa Monica neighborhood page and the full arts and culture events list. Full details are on the City of Santa Monica announcement.