TO:
Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Linda Robb, Sr. Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Veterans Day Event Enhancements
Body
_________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission discuss proposed enhancements to the annual Veterans Day event, for recommendation to the City Council.
BACKGROUND:
A Veterans Day Enhancement Committee was convened to explore ways to increase attendance, visibility, and community engagement at the City’s annual Veterans Day Celebration. Committee members include: Larry Zimbalist (Chair), Stephan Doran, Ishaan Aggarwal, former Mayor Bob Holmes, and historian Gary McAulay.
The committee’s core objective is to create a larger, more engaging, and more meaningful celebration for veterans, students, and the community at large, with a goal of zero incremental budget through partnerships, volunteers, and community engagement.
DISCUSSION:
1. Program Content Expansion
A. Veteran and Military Organization Participation
The Committee recommends expanding outreach to veteran and military groups to provide informational tables and direct engagement opportunities. Potential partners include:
• West LA Veterans Administration (VA Benefits Outreach)
• American Legion Posts (Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Westchester)
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts (Hawthorne, Redondo Beach, Gardena, Carson)
• Vietnam Veterans of America - South Bay Chapter
• Manhattan Beach National Guard units
• National Guard Infantry Battalion (Inglewood)
• Coast Guard Cutter Marina del Rey
• USCG Sector Headquarters (San Pedro)
• Space Force (El Segundo)
• Local Military Recruiting Offices
• Condor Squadron Flyover
Goals:
• Increase event relevance for veterans
• Provide access to veteran benefits
• Strengthen veteran-to-veteran and veteran-to-community connections
B. Static Military Displays
To increase visual impact and draw families, the committee proposes securing static displays at no cost through outreach to the National Guard, Coast Guard, and local recruiters.
Possible displays include:
• Humvee or military transport vehicle
• Coast Guard small craft
• Equipment display tables
• Recruitment information booths
These displays are expected to increase attendance and create family-friendly photo opportunities.
2. Community Engagement Strategy
A. Student Involvement
I. Art / Essay / Poetry Contest
Theme: “What Veterans Day Means to Me”
• Winners recognized during the ceremony
• Artwork displayed at City Hall, Library, and Joslyn Community Center
• Winning student invited to read their essay at the ceremony
Participation is expected to significantly increase family attendance.
II. Student Band and Ceremony Enhancements
• Opening Bugle Call
• Anthem medley representing each service branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
• Veterans of each branch stand for recognition during their anthem
This feature is described as highly engaging and emotionally powerful.
III. Extra Credit Incentives
Partner with MBUSD to offer:
• Civic engagement credit
• Class participation or history credit
• Reflection assignments tied to attendance
This strategy is anticipated to increase overall student turnout.
B. Active Veteran Outreach
To personally invite all Manhattan Beach veterans, staff and committee recommend:
• City newsletter call-outs
• Social media submission forms
• Outreach through local veteran organizations
• Church and neighborhood association bulletins
• Collaboration with Manhattan Beach Rotary
Additional enhancements may include:
• Reserved seating for veterans
• Veteran name badges
C. Publicity Expansion
I. Local Media outreach to:
• Daily Breeze
• MB Weekly
• Easy Reader
• Beach Reporter
• Local veteran organizations
A press release and optional human-interest feature highlighting a local veteran are proposed.
II. School and Parent Channels
• MBUSD email blasts
• PTA newsletters
• School websites
• ASB promotion
• Greater involvement of Boy Scouts
III. Visual Awareness
• City street banners two weeks prior
• Social media countdown
• City homepage banner
4. Zero-Budget “Wow Factor” Enhancements
Proposed no-cost additions include:
• Veteran Photo Wall - “Faces of Manhattan Beach Veterans”
• Short 3-5 Minute Veteran Storytelling Segment
• Expanded Flag Ceremony with Scouts
• Patriotic Walk-Up Music Prior to Event
• “Thank a Veteran” Card Station for Children
5. Crowd Size Strategy
To increase overall attendance:
• Strengthen school-related participation
• Add visual military displays
• Public recognition of veterans, students, and scouts
• Highlight one compelling “featured veteran” story
• Increase pre-event social media buzz
ATTACHMENT:
1.Preliminary site plan