Landmarks, businesses, and cultural destinations will honor those who served Nov. 11 as Southern Californians join together, in a host of meaningful ways, for Veterans Day ceremonies.
One prominent place that welcomes veterans and their families each year is the Queen Mary.
While it is true that the Long Beach attraction was first built to be a passenger ocean-liner, the legendary ship served as a troop transport, and Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s “office at sea,” during World War II.
The vessel honors that history each Nov. 11 by offering those who served, as well as active military members, free admission; people joining these honored guests are also invited to visit the ship while enjoying complimentary entry.
You’ll want to RSVP ahead of time and review everything the day will hold. A Color Guard presentation is a highlight, as is a performance by the USO Girls. The events begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 3 o’clock.
Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills is dedicated to “Honoring the Brave,” and on Nov. 11 that show of support will happen in many moving ways outside the Hall of Liberty. Performances by the Los Angeles Police Concert Band, a wreath laying, a flyover, and other Veterans Day-inspired traditions are on the schedule.
Times, details, and the full roster of happenings is on this site.
An as always, one of the largest and brightest displays found on Veterans Day will appear on the side of the Pacific Wheel beginning at sunset. Patriotic colors and an American flag that stands 9-stories high will be part of the moving show.
Earlier in the day, near the Ferris wheel and Santa Monica Pier, the U.S. Army will partner with the City of Santa Monica on a Veterans Day ceremony.
Stirring music, speeches, and a Chinook/C-130 flyover are on the roster.
If you’d like to join, make your way to Santa Monica Beach and Beach Parking Lot 4, which is near the pier and Crescent Bay Park, before the 11 a.m. kick-off.