A Day of Honor: Santa Monica Commemorates Veterans with Grand Ceremony and Flyovers

The City of Santa Monica partnered with the U.S. Army to host a grand Veterans Day ceremony on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, which took place on the western half of the Santa Monica Pier parking deck. Marking its fourth year, the event was the largest yet, featuring a series of exciting performances, flyovers, and speeches from military and local elected officials. Open to the public, the ceremony drew a significant crowd, all gathered to honor veterans.
Mayor Gleam Davis of Santa Monica expressed her deep appreciation for the military. "As the mayor and a mother of a veteran, I understand the sacrifices made by our military personnel. It was an honor to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of those who protect our freedoms," she said.
The Veterans Day event at Santa Monica Pier was marked by several memorable highlights. Attendees were treated to a breathtaking flyover by Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, and a precise demonstration by the West Point Drill Team. The atmosphere was further enlivened by the 300th Army Band's performance and Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren's moving rendition of “God Bless America,” along with Christena Rich's beautiful singing of the national anthem. On display were impressive Humvees & JLTVs, setting the scene for dynamic concerts by the Army rock band Brave the Night and the Rusty de la Croix blues band. The event also featured insightful speeches, including a keynote from Deputy Under Secretary of the Army Mario Diaz, and remarks from Mayor Gleam Davis and Congressman Ted Lieu. A poignant moment was the soldier swearing-in ceremony conducted by Major General Dianne Del Rosso, along with comments from Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits Michael Frueh. Adding to the day's festivities, veterans and active military members were treated to free ride tickets at Pacific Park and complimentary meals courtesy of Meals on Wheels.
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Sonki Hong, who organized the event, emphasized the importance of honoring military service members. "In a world facing numerous challenges, it's crucial to show our gratitude to those defending our freedom. This event at the Santa Monica Pier aimed to do just that," Hong stated."
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Fabian Lewkowicz is an award winning Santa Monica-based professional photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.
Fabian's photographs have been exhibited in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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[@hollyfink6168]

Never saw a flyover with helicopters. Chicago is always the Blue Angels!

[@nancysantamarialatica1141]

What David said .

[@frosty35x]

Lies