SANTA MONICA, Calif. — November 11, 2025 — The Santa Monica Pier transformed into a stage of remembrance and pride on Tuesday as civic leaders, military officials, and residents gathered for the city’s sixth annual Veterans Day Ceremony. The event brought heartfelt tributes, solemn reflection, and patriotic celebration beneath an overcast coastal sky.
The ceremony, hosted in partnership with the U.S. Army, featured remarks from Councilmember Dan Hall, Mayor Lana Negrete, and General Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command, who delivered the keynote address.
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
Councilmember Dan Hall, a West Point graduate and Army veteran, opened the ceremony by reflecting on the meaning of Veterans Day and his own experiences at the U.S. Military Academy. “Standing here on the Santa Monica Pier, we gather in a place where people come to feel restored,” Hall said. “It is the perfect place to honor the men and women who carried that truth with them into service.”
A Message of Gratitude from the Mayor
Mayor Lana Negrete expressed deep appreciation for veterans and active-duty service members, including her own family members who have served in the Army. “It takes a very courageous, generous, selfless, and disciplined person to respond to the call to fight for the greater good,” Negrete said. “While we may have this Veterans Day celebration once a year, you have our gratitude and respect every day.”
Negrete also acknowledged the city’s Palisades Fire recovery heroes, presenting official commendations to organizations and agencies that played key roles in the region’s recovery efforts. Honorees included the American Legion Post 283, Coulson Aviation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the California National Guard.
General Fenton’s Keynote Address
General Bryan P. Fenton, who recently concluded his tenure as commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, spoke passionately about the enduring legacy of military service.
“Veterans Day is a sacred day — a day when we pause as a nation to recognize veterans, past and present, who have served in defense of our freedoms,” Fenton said. He saluted wounded warriors, Gold Star families, and service members missing in action, calling them “the best of humanity.”
Fenton also highlighted ongoing challenges veterans face, including homelessness, unemployment, and suicide, urging continued public support: “By working together, we can ensure that those who gave so much receive the care, support, and opportunities they deserve — honoring our veterans year-round.”
Awards for Fire Recovery Heroes
Following his address, Mayor Negrete presented awards of commendation recognizing the tireless work of emergency responders and partner agencies during the January 2025 Palisades Fire.
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American Legion Post 283 was honored for transforming its facility into a disaster relief center.
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Coulson Aviation received recognition for its precision aerial firefighting missions, including more than 3 million gallons of water dropped during the wildfire emergency.
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was commended for cutting debris removal timelines in half through military efficiency and compassion.
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The California National Guard was recognized for securing burned areas and supporting displaced families during recovery.
Future Soldiers Sworn In
In a moving conclusion, General Fenton administered the Oath of Enlistment to a formation of new recruits, who raised their right hands and pledged to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. The crowd stood in applause as the future soldiers completed the oath, symbolizing the continuation of service and sacrifice across generations.
The ceremony also included a Chinook helicopter flyover from Coulson Aviation, a National Anthem performance by Master Sergeant Keith Beyer, and “God Bless America” sung by Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren.
Music and post-ceremony festivities followed, featuring DJs from 95.5 KLOS and Power106, while veterans and active military members received free meals and ride passes courtesy of Meals on Wheels and Pacific Park.
The event, organized by Sonki Hong, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, underscored Santa Monica’s ongoing commitment to honoring its veterans and those who continue to serve.
“Every veteran carries within them a story of honor and resilience,” Hong said. “Through their service, they have written the very definition of patriotism.”
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