The City of Santa Monica, with the Los Angeles Army Recruitment Battalion and the California Army National Guard celebrate Veterans Day at the Santa Monica Pier parking lot on Thursday, November 11, 2021. The program included the posting of the colors, National anthem, remarks from Mayor Sue Himmelrich, Councilmember Gleam Davis, General Curtis Taylor, U.S. Army, and a swearing in ceremony of future soldiers. “It is our great fortune to have so many brave men and women in service to our country. They deserve our recognition all year with special honors paid on Veterans Day,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “We proudly join the U.S. Army in this tribute and ask the community to join us virtually to recognize and honor the veterans in our lives and across Santa Monica.” “The past year and a half have been extremely challenging for our military veterans with the continued pandemic and the fallout from Afghanistan. On this Veterans Day, we challenge you to help us make them feel extra special by showing gratitude and honor for their service,” said Sonki Hong, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. 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. For 21 years, the five pillars of the Veterans 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. During the month of November, Santa Monicans are encouraged to visit the memorial. The November 11 celebration will be held on the deck of the historic Santa Monica Pier.