Happy early Veterans Day to all our active and retired military! Each year on November 11, Americans pause to honor the men and women who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans Day began as “Armistice Day,” marking the end of World War I on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. While the observance now honors all veterans, its roots are deeply tied to the sea. From the Navy and Coast Guard to the Merchant Marine, the maritime community has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history and defending its shores.
The ocean has always been a place of service, sacrifice, and pride for countless veterans. During both World Wars, American naval power helped turn the tide of global conflict. Sailors escorted convoys across the Atlantic, sweeping for mines and defending merchant ships from enemy submarines. On the Pacific front, naval operations connected fleets of aircraft carriers, battleships, and submarines that defined modern warfare. Even the Merchant Marine, though often overlooked, endured perilous voyages to deliver troops and supplies — earning them the nickname “the Fourth Arm of Defense.” These sea-based efforts not only secured victory but also forged a generation of veterans whose service was written in saltwater.
Today, the maritime spirit of Veterans Day lives on along the Southern California coast, where many communities commemorate the holiday in their own nautical way. In places like San Diego, Newport Beach, Dana Point, and Ventura, local veterans, harbor patrols, and yacht clubs host ceremonies that often take to the water. One of the most poignant traditions is the “Wreaths at Sea” tribute, where floral wreaths are cast into the harbor to honor those who served on and beneath the waves. It’s a quiet, powerful gesture that reflects both remembrance and gratitude, connecting those on the docks to the generations who served before them.
Many veterans also find new meaning in boating and fishing after their service. Organizations such as Heroes on the Water, the Wounded Warrior Project, and the Warrior Sailing Program give veterans a chance to heal and reconnect through time spent on the water. These programs foster the same sense of teamwork and camaraderie that once guided them through military life, offering comfort and community in a peaceful maritime setting. Whether it’s kayak fishing, scuba diving, or racing sailboats, the shared rhythm of the sea provides a kind of therapy only the ocean can offer.
Southern California’s maritime industry continues to serve as a bridge between military and civilian life. Shipyards, harbor operations, and marine service businesses actively recruit veterans for their skill, discipline, and technical training. The Navy and Coast Guard maintain strong presences across coastal bases, while civilian mariners continue to support global trade and emergency response. In many ways, veterans never stop serving; they simply trade their uniforms for work boots and continue contributing to the lifeblood of America’s harbors.
As Veterans Day arrives, it’s worth remembering that the ocean has always been part of our nation’s story. The sea carried many to duty and brought many home. From the sailors who patrolled foreign waters to the veterans now cruising the California coast, the maritime connection to service runs deep.
Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a reminder that freedom has always had a watchful eye on the horizon, and it’s often been a sailor, a Marine, or a mariner keeping that watch.
