If you look toward the summit of Mount Diablo from Danville tonight, you may notice a single light glowing at the top of the mountain. That light is the Mount Diablo Beacon, sometimes called the "Eye of Diablo," and on Veterans Day it shines in honor of everyone who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This evening, Wednesday, November 11, 2026, local veterans and the Mayor of Danville will gather in front of the Veterans Memorial Building on Hartz Avenue to switch it on at 5:00 PM.
The History Behind the Mount Diablo Beacon
The beacon dates to the early days of commercial flight. According to Save Mount Diablo, Charles Lindbergh first lit it in 1928 to help guide pilots, and it was one of five transcontinental aviation beacons on the West Coast.
The beacon shone from the summit every night until December 8, 1941, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It then stayed dark for more than two decades.
On December 7, 1964, Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, who commanded U.S. Pacific forces during World War II, attended a summit ceremony honoring Pearl Harbor survivors. He suggested the beacon be lit every December 7 to honor those who served and sacrificed. The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association carried on that tradition for decades, and today the Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors continue it with Save Mount Diablo as co-sponsor.
By the early 2010s, the aging beacon needed serious repair. In 2013, Save Mount Diablo led a community-funded restoration on behalf of California State Parks. Save Mount Diablo describes it as one of the last remaining working beacons from that transcontinental string of guides.
Why the Beacon Shines on Veterans Day
For most of its modern history, the beacon was reserved for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. That changed on February 25, 2022, when a joint proclamation was signed at the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville. It allows the beacon to be lit on Pearl Harbor Day, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, starting in 2022 and continuing indefinitely (Save Mount Diablo).
That makes tonight the fifth annual Veterans Day beacon lighting. VFW Post 75 of the San Ramon Valley sponsors the event and credits California State Parks, Save Mount Diablo and the Town of Danville for their support.
Veterans Day 2026: Ceremony Details
- Date: Wednesday, November 11, 2026
- Gathering: 4:40 PM, by the flagpole in front of the Veterans Memorial Building
- Beacon lighting: 5:00 PM, at sunset
- Location:Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA 94526
- Hosted by: VFW Post 75, with local veterans and the Mayor of Danville
Event details come from VFW Post 75's announcement and the Post's own website. Neither lists an admission fee, parking or a program beyond the lighting, so plan to arrive a few minutes early in downtown Danville.
Earlier in the day, the Veterans Memorial Building also hosts its Veterans Day breakfast and open house. You can find those details in our article on Veterans Day in Danville this November 11.
What This Tradition Means to the San Ramon Valley
The Veterans Memorial Building has served local veterans since 1925, and it remains one of the most meaningful places in downtown Danville. Holding the beacon lighting right in front of it connects a small-town gathering to a landmark that people can see from miles around.
For many families in Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk and San Ramon, Mount Diablo is part of everyday life. It's the backdrop to the morning commute, weekend hikes and backyard sunsets. Seeing its summit light up for veterans is a quiet reminder of the people in our community who served, and of the many who did not come home.
If you can't make it downtown, take a moment after sunset to look toward the summit and remember the veterans in your own family and neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Mount Diablo Beacon light up?
The beacon is lit to honor people who served in the U.S. military. It began in 1928 as an aviation beacon, went dark after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and was relit in 1964 to honor Pearl Harbor survivors.
When is the Mount Diablo Beacon illuminated?
It is lit on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7) and, since 2022, also on Memorial Day and Veterans Day (November 11).
Where is the Veterans Memorial Building in Danville?
The Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley is at 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA 94526, in the heart of downtown Danville.
Can residents attend the Veterans Day ceremony?
Yes. VFW Post 75's announcement invites the public to join local veterans and the Mayor of Danville at 4:40 PM by the flagpole in front of the Veterans Memorial Building, with the lighting at 5:00 PM.
From all of us here, thank you to every veteran and military family in the San Ramon Valley. If you have questions about life in Danville or the surrounding communities, I'm always happy to connect.
Jason R. Bleier | The Agency | REALTOR® | CA DRE #01484014 | (925) 997-7373
