Guardians of the Promise: 2026 Veterans Day Ceremony Recap | Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

This Veterans Day, we reflect on a morning that reminded us why we do what we do.

On Saturday, November 7, 2026, the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial welcomed our community to the summit for our annual Veterans Day Ceremony — Guardians of the Promise: The 250-Year Unbroken Line. Standing 822 feet above the Pacific, surrounded by the black granite walls that bear the names of thousands of American veterans, we gathered to honor 250 years of courage, service, and an allegiance to freedom that has never wavered.

The ceremony was a moving tribute from start to finish, and the energy on the mountain that morning was unlike anything we have experienced before.

The Program

The morning opened with a Patriotic Overture performed by the Marine Band San Diego, led by SSgt Hannah Ford. The music set a tone of reverence and pride that carried through every moment that followed.

Jason Austell, News Anchor at KUSI and son of a Miramar-based Navy fighter pilot, served as our Master of Ceremonies. Jason brought not only the polish of one of San Diego’s most recognized broadcast voices, but a deeply personal connection to the military community he has called home his entire life.

Lt. Kaleb Koutz of the USN Chaplain Corps, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, delivered the Invocation, followed by the Presentation of Colors by the Color Guard, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, led by Sgt Jonathon Cardoso.

Lily Brodie, Soloist and Marine Band San Diego, performed the National Anthem — a performance that drew an emotional response across the entire summit.

Opening Remarks were delivered by our Executive Director, Neil O’Connell, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Steve Castillo of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association Board of Trustees.

Our Keynote Speaker, Donnie Edwards Jr., CEO of the Best Defense Foundation, delivered a message that was equal parts powerful and personal. A former NFL linebacker who spent 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers, Donnie has devoted his post-football career to veteran stewardship, living legacy, and civic responsibility. His words resonated deeply with everyone on that mountain.

The Plaque Presentation, one of the most meaningful moments of every ceremony, was conducted by the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association Board of Trustees alongside distinguished San Diego veterans — a reminder that the names on these walls are not history. They are family.

Closing Remarks were offered by Phil Kendro, President of the Board of Trustees, Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, before the Armed Forces Medley was performed by the Marine Band San Diego — a stirring tribute that honored every branch of the United States military.

Lily Brodie returned to close the formal ceremony with God Bless America, before the San Diego Salute Aerial Formation Team delivered a breathtaking Aerial Salute above the memorial.

The Guardians’ Gathering

Immediately following the ceremony, the celebration continued on the northwest lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the Guardians’ Gathering, hosted by San Diego’s own “Little Tommy” Sablan of KUSI and FOX5. A legend in San Diego broadcasting, Radio Hall of Fame inductee, and tireless community advocate, Tommy brought his signature warmth and energy to an afternoon that felt like a true community celebration.

The Full Strength Band took the stage and kept the summit alive with high-energy performances that had guests on their feet well into the afternoon. Food from The Butcher Paper food truck and coffee from Red, White, & Badass Brew rounded out the experience — a full celebration of 250 years of unbroken American valor.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This event is free and open to the public because of the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors and supporters. We are deeply grateful to the following organizations whose financial and in-kind contributions made this ceremony possible:

Presenting Sponsor: Kaiser Permanente
Plaque Sponsor: USS Midway Museum
Guardians’ Gathering Sponsor: Wounded Warrior Project
COX
San Diego Padres Foundation
Sycuan
V Group Signs and Print
The Village Garden Club of La Jolla
Strategic Support Group Inc.
Bilrod Images
AmeriVet Contracting
Jersey Mike’s Subs
Rancho Santa Fe Foundation
365connect
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, San Diego County
R3
Drone Videography: Charles Rose

And our deepest gratitude to our Sponsors, and to every Volunteer who gives so generously of their time to honor our veterans. This day would not be possible without you.

Honor. Above All.

The 250-Year Unbroken Line is not just a theme. It is a truth. From 1776 to today, the men and women whose names are etched into these walls kept a promise to this nation — and it is our privilege, and our responsibility, to make sure that promise is never forgotten.

Thank you for being on the mountain with us.