More than 1,200 people attended our Memorial Day Ceremony on May 27 that honored all service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms, with a special focus on the U.S. Marines of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines during their 2010-2011 deployment to Sangin, Afghanistan. Two plaques to honor “Darkhorse” Marines from 3/5 were unveiled and placed among our sacred walls at the memorial.
Special thanks to our speakers, Chip Reid, Maj. Gen. Jason Morris and Lt. Col. Thomas Schueman, for their insightful speeches, reminding us of the importance of remembering service members who died in service to our nation. We’re so grateful to all of our supporters, sponsors, and volunteers for making this Memorial Day a success.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Considered one of the most unique veterans memorials in America. The only memorial that honors veterans, living or deceased, from the revolutionary war to the current war on terror, with an image of the veteran.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial has stood at the height of San Diego since 1954. It has gone through many trials to be what it is today—A Beacon of Freedom. Thousands of people that stood before our memorial were able to honor and recognize the thousands of military men and women who sacrificed for this country. We have the unique duty to create plaques for all military people—living or deceased—so that all members of the armed forces can be thanked for their service. Those who are recognized have served the Revolutionary War, both World Wars, and even today’s War on Terror.
Every plaque lists each veteran’s or serviceperson’s accomplishments during their term. If not for their hard work and love of our country, we would be barren of witnessing such selfless courage and dedicated heroism. We, as a memorial and country, are founded on their service.
Visiting Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial commemorates the sacrifices made not only by servicemembers, but also by the people who have kept Mt. Soledad Memorial operating. Our volunteers and ever generous donators are another reason the memorial has continued to operate. They have kept the plaques clean, parking lots trash free, and our presence known.
We hope to see you at the Veterans Memorial!
Ever since our dedication in April 1954, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association has been committed to preserving the memory of the service and sacrifice of our veterans. With the unwavering support of our members, donors and the community, the Memorial was able to undergo significant expansion and site improvements throughout 2023:
1. Education: The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a valuable educational resource that conveys the significant military and veteran history of our region. By having the stories of over 6,500 veterans on the granite honor walls, an excellent opportunity exists to provide insight into the importance of service in our nation’s armed forces as a proven option for personal development and individual growth. These stories of those who have served exemplify the values of service before self and form the bedrock of our purpose. Funding is required to bolster this program and capitalize on this unique historical resource atop Mt. Soledad.
2. Innovation: To complement the visitor experience, a combination of unique mobile technologies will be unveiled that can enhance the experience of visitors to the memorial. This includes using interactive mapping to provide guided tours of veteran plaques, while telling the unique stories of our veterans and our nation’s military history. The goal is to make it easier for docents and visitors to access the mission of the memorial by placing it in their hands via mobile technology.
3. Capacity: We are a small team with a great deal of experience, we recognize that we can have an even greater impact with adequate resources. As we continue in our quest to provide opportunities that deliver impact, additional resources are necessary to support our programs. We have strong leadership and a bold vision coupled with a solid implementation plan.
4. Preservation: The Association is committed to ensuring that the entire property with its beautiful granite memorial walls, its gentle walkways and cross are kept in pristine condition. The memorial is always accessible for everyone who comes to honor our veterans.
As we begin 2024, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you for being an integral part of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial family. Your support serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and respect for those who have defended the principles we hold dear. Together, we ensure that their legacy is still a source of inspiration for us all.
With utmost gratitude,
Neil O’Connell
Executive Director
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
John M. Dadian founded Dadian & Associates in 1992 after a successful career in government service. Dadian & Associates specializes in governmental relations and public affairs. Services include community relations, project development, media relations, and special event planning.
John’s government service included serving as Chief of Staff to then-San Diego County Supervisor Susan Golding. In Los Angeles, John was Deputy County Supervisor for Mike Antonovich.
A California native, John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University. Before attending college, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was the recipient of numerous awards.
