Veterans Memorial Monument and Bridge

In Santee, California

The structure is 11 ft x 11 ft x 11 ft in recognition of the origins of Veterans Day and the ending of WWI fighting on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The structure and interior monument sit on angle at the site and to the intersection for two reasons. First, to create an experience that does not have a definitive front or back and gives equal recognition to each branch of the military. The wrap-around lettering of "Land of the free because of the brave" reinforces this concept. Second, the structure is positioned to maximize the natural lighting from the setting sun during the month of November. The wreath, used as a symbol of honor, is inspired by the native California Black Oak found in the mountains of San Diego county. There are six randomly placed concrete seating cylinders. One for each branch of the military with a seal on the interior monument. Materials and colors are selected to compliment the natural surrounding environment. Subdued tones are purposefully chosen to create a calming and reflective experience.

The Monument and Bridge were officially dedicated on November 11th, 2021. The tailor-made monument and dedication of the Mast Boulevard bridge as the official Veterans Memorial Bridge memorializes the significant sacrifices our Veterans gave to protect our Country and allow us to pay tribute to the men and women who helped preserve our freedom as we preserve their memory and educate the next generation.

Every phase of this project was geared towards honoring our Veterans and recognizing their significance:

The public was invited to sign the names of their Veteran friends and family members on the wooden beams that support the structure. This gave everyone an opportunity to have a special part in the memorial and for their friends and family to be eternalized with the assembly of the structure.
As the project progressed, the public left mementos of their loved ones. These mementos were capsulized in center pillar of the memorial.
As the project expanded the Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Program was launched. This programs allows the City of Santee to honor and recognize qualifying veterans connected to Santee who have served, are currently serving, or have given their lives in service in the United States Armed Forces. Banners are displayed across the Veterans Memorial bridge and then expand onto Mast Blvd from Carlton Hills Blvd to Weston Rd. Learn more about the Santee Hometown Heroes Banner Program.
Every Memorial and Veterans Day we encourage everyone to take a self guided tour of the Memorial Monument and Bridge to honor, remember and recognize those who have served and those who are currently serving.
In addition, we place a floral arrangement at the memorial and change out the American flag on Memorial and Veterans Day every year.

Veterans come from all walks of life, but they all share several qualities: courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty and integrity. One needs these qualities in order to serve a cause greater than one’s self. This memorial and bridge are for them.

As each and every one of you drive past this memorial or the bridge sign take a minute to remember those close to your heart who are Veterans. Let this memorial be the reminder of their sacrifice and let’s education the future generations of its importance.

A special thanks to the visionaries behind this project TDT Construction and Michael Ranson along with the many donors who made this project possible for all of East County to enjoy.

Veterans Memorial and Bridge Dedication Recap Video

Take Home Pop Up Santee Veterans Memorial Activity