1) The DC-3 aircraft dubbed “Spirit of Santa Monica” majestically elevated on concrete pylons and positioned in a takeoff bank sits 12 feet off the ground. TheDC-3 Aircraft was manufactured at the Santa Monica plant and delivered in February 1942. The Monument pays tribute to Donald Wills Douglas and the Douglas Aircraft Company and is located at 3100 Airport Avenue on the south side of the Santa Monica airport. 2) (From left to right) David Price, Santa Monica Mayor Ken Genser, Executive Director of Employees Community Fund of Boeing California Beverly Hoskinson and Santa Monica Airport Director Bob Trimborn cut the ribbon during the Douglas DC-3 Monument Plaza Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, March 21, 2009. 3,4) The United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol leads the pledge of allegiance. 5) Two DC-3's fly above the ceremony. 6) The Karla Ross Orchestra performs during the dedication ceremony.
The DC-3 Monument serves as a permanent reminder of the important role that the Douglas Aircraft Company played in the advancement of commercial and military aviation and includes display panels that help illustrate how the City of Santa Monica developed from the early 1920’s through the 1960’s.
The Employees Community Fund of Boeing California is a major sponsor. Morley Builders assisted with the planning of the project and Benchmark Contractors will serve as the general contractor. Andresen & Andresen was the project architect. The DC-3 Aircraft was donated by David G. Price, Chairman of the Museum of Flying. FedEx donated the paint and other cosmetic materials used by the DC-3 Volunteer Restoration Team. The City of Santa Monica provided the site and will be the permanent recipient of the Monument upon its completion.
The Monument includes a Founders Wall inscribed with the names of 1,000 employees, retirees, and friends of the Douglas Aircraft Company who have contributed personally to the project. The Monumentis a joint partnership of the Employees Community Fund of Boeing California, the City of Santa Monica, the Museum of Flying, and the DC-3 Monument Committeeee.