The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will honor Marine Corps Major Megan McClung, and our nation’s heroes through a live and virtual tribute event on 30 May 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (PDT) streamed right here on our website.
McClung was the first female Marine officer to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as the first female graduate of the United States Naval Academy to be killed in action since the school was founded in 1845. Major McClung was serving as a Public Affairs Officer in Al Anbar Province, Iraq.
Our Keynote Speaker will be Lieutenant General Sean MacFarland, a retired three-star general who served in the United States Army. As a brigade combat team commander in Ramadi, Iraq, he is credited with fostering the Sunni Arab “Awakening” movement, which was instrumental in turning the tide of the war. While commanding III Corps, he also commanded all coalition forces in the war against ISIS in Iraq and Syria from 2015 to 2016, during which time coalition forces seized the initiative, recaptured nearly half of the enemy’s territory and set the conditions for the enemy’s final defeat. He was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential Persons of 2016.
The live and online commemoration will be again hosted by former News Anchor Marc Bailey, musical performances, a wreath laying, and missing-man flyby. We are honored to host Megan’s family, many of the Public Affairs Officers that served with her, and the United States Naval Academy Alumni Association.
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!
From April 1966 to March 1971, the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, fought in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. They fought in such places as Chu Lai, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Operation Hastings, Operation Union and Union II in the Que Son valley – received a Presidential Unit Citation, the Battle of Hue, An Hoa, Operation Swift in the Que Son Valley – received a second Presidential Unit Citation, and Firebase Ross. During the Vietnam War, the unit motto was “consummate professionals”.
You can honor their service visiting their plaque at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. 7am-10pm. Sunday-Saturday.
As we look forward with hope to 2021, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the year gone by. In common with organizations across the country, Mt. Soledad Memorial Association has faced many challenges this year. Challenges and uncertainties that we have faced together.
Despite ever-changing restrictions we were able to livestream two virtual events from Mt. Soledad; Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Also, our team of Docents have been on duty since Memorial Day proudly greeting our visitors, telling the stories of our Veterans and their families and sharing the history of the Memorial.
Thank you to all involved. Whether helping from home or at the memorial, I thank you.
It is supporters like you that have made this year possible and I hope I can count on your continued support and generosity. By making a tax-deductible contribution today you help us continue our mission to preserve the Memorial and honor our veterans.
I am proud to be surrounded by all the fine men and women that have helped us throughout the year. Our members, our volunteers, our supporters – everyone connected with the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association that have made this year possible. As 2020 draws to a close I wish you good health and hope you welcome the new year with open arms and renewed hope.
Throughout 2021 we will continue to honor all of our veterans, as we have done for many years, including once again conducting our Veterans Honor Ceremonies for the families and friends of our Veterans. Your continued support helps us realize our goal.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year. Be safe and be proud.
Neil O’Connell
President
