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!
There are no upcoming events at this time.
This Veterans Day, we will honor San Diego’s Greatest Generation, those who came of age during the Great Depression and went on to fight in World War II, as well as those who contributed to the war effort on the home front. These men and women fought not for fame or recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.
Of all of the wars in recent memory, World War II truly threatened our very existence as a nation and as a culturally diverse and free society. With hundreds of World War II veterans passing away each day, the opportunity to express our sincere thanks to these brave men and women is running out.
As we near Veterans Day this November 11th I wish to convey my sincere thanks to each you for your continued support of the Memorial throughout this past year. As we have had to adjust the many aspects of our lives I hope that this finds you and your families in the best of health.
I also wish to share with you how vitally important it is for each of us to pause and reflect and give thanks to those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The great freedoms that we all enjoy today are a result of the sacrifices made by all of our Veterans.
Over 102 years ago on this day in November 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day that the “War to End all Wars “was over. The following November , President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
Then in a short span of 22 years, America found itself at war again, this time it’s men and women were deployed on multiple fronts, across the Pacific and throughout Europe and in North Africa. From 1941 until the end of the War in September 1945 over 16.4 million men and women served in what became known as the Second World War. Of that number approximately 670,000 were wounded and over 360,000 lost their lives. In the book written by journalist Tom Brokaw in 1998 called the “Greatest Generation”, Mr. Brokaw writes that “these men and women fought not for fame or recognition, but because “it was the right thing to do”.
We will never forget the great contributions that the Veterans of the Greatest Generation provided to our Country. Today, just like they did in 1941, each of them stands proud and strong as they exemplify those personal traits of Honor, Courage, Faithfull and Patriotic. They embody the values of Freedom and rich love of our Country. We will be forever thankful for their service.
The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association stands by our pledge to honor all veterans by preserving their legacy. We are immensely proud to honor those WWII surviving veterans living here in San Diego, as this year marks the 75th Anniversary of the end of the war. I am proud to report that we are once again on track to deliver a very fitting tribute to honor all of our Veterans. Based on the current situation we will be unable to host any spectators. This year’s ceremony promises to be a first-class affair with all appropriate tributes and military honors as the ceremony will be held on the east side lawn. All are invited to view the hour-long virtual tribute live streamed on Facebook as well as on our webpage.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, our staff and volunteers we wish you all a peaceful and healthy Veterans Day.
Sincerely,
Neil O’Connell
President
