Veterans Day Speech - 11/11/2026

Given at American Legion Post 512's Event at Devendorf Park

Good morning, everyone.

Thanks to Commander Jerry Paratore and the American Legion Post 512 for hosting us today and for allowing me the privilege of speaking to you on this beautiful day.

Here in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we value what makes our village special. But this morning, here in Devendorf Park, we gather to honor something far greater than our one square mile. We gather to honor the men and women who answered the call to serve this country, at home and around the world.

To every veteran here today, and to your families, thank you. It’s an honor to stand with you.

Just a short walk away stands our historic Memorial Arch. Right in the heart of everyday village life, we pass it on our way to shop, to meet friends for dinner, or to enjoy a walk down to the beach. Most days, we hardly give it a second thought.

But today, we pause. We remember why it’s there: To honor those who served and sacrificed. And we remember those who built it, and those who have cared for it ever since.

One of those who cared for it was a remarkable Carmel resident we lost recently, Richard Kreitman. Richard cared deeply about honoring those who served. He dedicated countless hours with several other Carmelites to preserving and restoring our Memorial Arch and its historic bell, helping ensure that this tribute to our veterans will endure for generations to come.

Richard understood something important: You don’t have to wear the uniform to feel a responsibility to those who did.

And that responsibility belongs to all of us. It begins with remembering. It continues with listening. And, most importantly, it means being there when a veteran or a military family needs our support.

Every veteran carries a different story. Some share their experiences openly. Others carry memories they rarely speak about. We may never fully understand what they endured, or the sacrifices their families made while they were away.

But we can make certain of one thing: That they know they are appreciated, that they belong, and that their community will always stand beside them.

As mayor, I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know veterans who continue to serve Carmel, not in uniform, but as neighbors, volunteers, mentors, and friends. Their commitment to service didn’t end when they left the military. And our village is a better place because of them.

Our memorials give remembrance a permanent home in Carmel. But while stone and bronze can preserve a memory, only people can keep its meaning alive.

That’s our responsibility. Not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

So let us honor our veterans not simply with words and ceremonies, but through our actions, our gratitude, and our willingness to serve others, just as they served us.

To all our veterans: Thank you for your courage, your sacrifices, and your service. And thank you for the extraordinary privilege of calling you our neighbors.

May God bless you, your families, and the United States of America.