2024 marks a significant year for Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial as it celebrates its 70th anniversary. Throughout those years, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association and the community have worked to maintain the memorial and ensure it could continue to shine as a beacon of freedom while honoring the legacies of the many veterans who served the nation. As part of our ongoing efforts, the memorial recently completed the much-needed restoration of its cross.
Located at the top of La Jolla’s iconic coastal peak, the memorial is susceptible to coastal weather and erosion caused by the salty ocean air and nearly year-round sunlight. Decades of these conditions took their toll on the cross, so this year, Mt. Soledad sought to restore the once-shining cross to its former glory and ensure it would stand another 70 years.
The scaffolding was erected courtesy of American Scaffolding and surrounded the structure so the cross could be cleaned and repainted. The painters at O.H.E Painting and Wallcovering, Inc. then cleaned decades’ worth of dirt and debris from the cross structure and gave it a fresh new coat of paint.
Simultaneously, the professionals at F&S Masonry Inc. repaired many of the memorial’s handrails and brick walkways. Their work ensures that all our guests enjoy the memorial comfortably and safely.
We are also very grateful for Stonhard Coatings, who also helped restore the steps at the top of the memorial with a durable sealcoat to ensure its longevity. Engineers from SMR Engineering and Advanced Radar Technology provided structural analysis for the cross and the surrounding base.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial would like to thank these companies and their employees for helping restore the cross and ensure this memorial can be enjoyed for many more years to come. As it grows and changes, we are confident that the memorial will continue to stand as a beacon for freedom in San Diego and the rest of Southern California.
