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.
A ceremony has been set for Saturday to honor a Navy pilot and Sioux City native who died in a 1959 plane crash in California, reportedly saving the lives of hundreds of grade-school students in the process. According to a press release, a Veterans Honor Ceremony for Ensign Albert Joseph Hickman has been set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, California. The event commemorates the 60th anniversary of the crash.
Hickman (born Hickmon, the name changed due to a Navy clerical error), was 21 years old when he was killed Dec. 4, 1959, piloting a U.S. Navy F3H Demon that crashed into a canyon at Clairemont, San Diego, after its engine stalled.
We would ask that everybody remember to honor the sanctity of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and respect the sacrifices of our veterans who are honored here. Especially to be considerate of their families and loved ones who hold the memorial plaques so close in their hearts.
Our granite walls require constant care by volunteers due to the atmosphere. It’s a lot of work. But come on, how disrespectful is it to ride skateboards over the tops and edges of this fine surface. I’m appalled at such disregard and carelessness. This activity severely damages this fine granite that surrounds the walls of our memorial. This is an unfortunate situation as the memorial has been closed since Mid March .
We were in the middle of acquiring bids for full-time security presence to guard against these types of incidents. We know that many citizens of San Diego and visitors to our beautiful city make it a point to visit the the mount Soledad national veterans memorial and the surrounding city parks. We are looking forward to the day when we can open the memorial for all to visit and enjoy this most iconic and Patriotic beacon of freedom.
– Neil O’Connell, President and CEO, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
