Veterans Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all American veterans, both living and deceased, who have served in the U.S. military during times of war and peace. It is a day to recognize their sacrifices, contributions to national security, and their role in preserving our freedoms. This past Saturday, November 9, 2024, hundreds of people gathered at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial for a heartfelt ceremony. We came together to honor American and Korean veterans for their service in the Korean War, often referred to as the “forgotten war.”
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, following the division of Korea after World War II. North Korea, backed by the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea, leading to a United Nations intervention led by the United States. Despite intense battles and an armistice signed on July 27, 1953, no formal peace treaty was ever concluded, leaving North and South Korea technically still at war. The conflict resulted in around 2.5 million casualties and set a precedent for U.S. military involvement without a formal declaration of war. Over 70 years later, the Korean Peninsula remains divided.
In addition to the ceremony at Mt. Soledad on Saturday, we proudly participated in the San Diego Veterans Day parade on November 11, 2024. Held along downtown’s picturesque waterfront, this parade brought the City of San Diego together in celebration to honor veterans, military service members, and their families. The parade was a vibrant display of community spirit and gratitude, recognizing the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans.
Reflecting on the 70 years of dedication by the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, it is fitting to honor the veterans who served in the Korean War. Their courage and sacrifice are immortalized in the plaques at the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom and peace. This Veterans Day, we commemorate their service and reaffirm our commitment to preserving their memory for future generations.
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is 100% privately funded, and we are grateful to our Veterans Day ceremony sponsors for their unwavering support of our mission:
