As we approach the end of another remarkable year, we reflect on the achievements and milestones made possible by your generous support. Thanks to you, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial continues to stand as one of the most pristine veterans memorials in the country—a symbol of honor, sacrifice, and commitment to those who served in our Armed Forces.
Over this past year, we proudly welcomed nearly 300,000 visitors worldwide, all at no charge. We also hosted over 80 ceremonies and events onsite at the Memorial, each serving as a powerful reminder of the bravery and selflessness of our Veterans and an opportunity to share their stories with our community.
Understanding the importance of educating future generations, we launched our first-ever formal education program in September of this year. In this program, we’re partnering with local schools, libraries, and youth organizations to provide school-aged children with unique opportunities to connect with history and service through field trips, community service projects, and STEM workshops. These events inspire young minds and foster an appreciation for the sacrifices of our nation’s heroes.
The preservation of Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and the expansion of our programs require the steadfast dedication of our team of staff members and volunteers. Your continued support allows us to maintain the memorial in the pristine condition it rightly deserves and create meaningful experiences for visitors of all ages.
As we look ahead to 2025, we aim to build on these successes, ensuring that the legacy of our Veterans remains a cornerstone of our community. Your end-of-year gift can profoundly impact our work toward this mission, enabling us to preserve this sacred site, maintain its accessibility to the public, invest in innovative solutions to enhance the visitor experience, expand our educational initiatives, and honor the service and sacrifice of those who protected our freedoms.
We rely entirely on the generosity of donors like you to carry out our mission, as we receive no government funding. Your support is crucial in helping us expand our programs and maintain the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial as a place of solemn reflection, remembrance, inspiration, and pride. Together, we can preserve this sacred site and the legacies of the veterans honored there so they may inspire and educate future generations.
With gratitude,
Neil O’Connell
Executive Director