NOVEMBER 11

Veterans Day

This holiday is dedicated to American veterans of all wars. Veterans Day started as a day to reflect on the heroism of those who died in World Way I on the November 11 anniversary of the 1918 armistice (truce) between the Allied nations and Germany — “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.” 

Solvang has a long history of military service and sacrifice. From its earliest days, Solvang was envisioned as a community where Danes and Danish Americans would be able to preserve their culture and celebrate the American Dream. Over the years, many local men and women have answered the call to serve our nation. In their honor, Solvang has several war memorials commemorating their service and sacrifice. 

Dedication of the WWI memorial flagpole, December 29, 1918.  

Shortly after the end of World War I, Solvang dedicated a flagpole in the center of town at the intersection of First and Main Streets (present day Copenhagen Drive) to honor those who had participated. The flagpole was later relocated and now stands in Solvang Park.

In 1928, it was decided to purchase 5 acres of land north of the Old Mission where a new building would be erected as a "perpetual memorial to the comrades who died in their country's service, and to those who offered their lives during the war."

The great depression affected funding and the project extended over seven years. The land was purchased in 1930 for $3,000 but it wasn't until February of 1936 that ground was finally broken on a new Veteran's Memorial Building. Contractor Hans CD Skytt was lowest bidder on the $37,500 project. 

Solvang Veterans Memorial Building, dedicated November 1, 1936. The Spanish Colonial Revival building functions as a community gathering place.

Solvang faces during war years: World War II vets Hermann Burchardi and Audrey Mae Farmer; Jack Ross served in WWI.

An excerpt from papers in the Veterans Memorial Building time capsule retrieved in 2011 reads: This ground is dedicated to the memory of those from this valley who gave their lives in the World War. As has been said many times before, the world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what the brave boys, living and dead, struggled through "Over There." 

In 2015 a plaque was set into the base of the flagpole in Solvang Park honoring Santa Ynez Valley Veterans who died in the line of duty from WWI to recent conflicts in the Middle East.

Due to COVID-19, plans have been modified for this year's Veterans Day celebration. Veterans, their families and the public are invited to a program on the front lawn of the Vets Building beginning at 11 am on 11/11/20. Those in attendance are asked to wear face masks and social distance as mandated by Santa Barbara County Health Department safety protocols. 

Stay safe and celebrate our veterans!

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