The Spirit of Santa Monica will present Douglas Day 2025 on Sunday, Sept. 21, a free community celebration that will pay special tribute to first responders who battled the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
The event, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Atlantic Aviation at Santa Monica Airport, honors Santa Monica's aviation legacy while recognizing community resilience. Mayor Lana Negrete will present commendations at 1 p.m. to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Santa Monica Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles City Fire Department and other agencies that played critical roles in firefighting and recovery efforts.
Douglas Day celebrates the city's aviation history and the legacy of Donald Douglas, whose spirit of innovation continues around the historic Santa Monica Airport. The event will feature aircraft displays showcasing vintage planes and future mobility innovations, STEAM-powered discovery zones with hands-on activities for youth, and recruitment and community booths hosted by first responders and local organizations.
Attendees can expect live music, food trucks and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. The celebration aims to showcase both Santa Monica's aviation heritage and the heroic efforts of those who protected communities during the recent wildfire crisis.
Ben Marcus, board chair of Spirit of Santa Monica, and Mayor Negrete will participate in the ceremony recognizing first responders. The event highlights the connection between Santa Monica's innovative past and its continued commitment to community service and resilience.
The venue at 2828 Donald Douglas Loop N offers space for historic aircraft displays and community booths where hundreds of attendees can interact with first responders and local organizations. The hands-on youth activities emphasize science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics education.
Attendees can RSVP at SpiritofSantaMonica.org.
Edited by SMDP Staff