Since its dedication in 1954, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial and the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association have been committed to preserving the stories of service and sacrifice of the Nation’s veterans. This memorial is unique in that it honors all veterans, living and deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the current Global War on Terror. Over 6,600 granite plaques line the walls, honoring everyone from Presidents to Medal of Honor recipients and the thousands of veterans whose names may not be familiar but who proudly served the Nation and helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today.
The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association was created and signed its articles of incorporation in 1952, with the dedication as a veteran’s war memorial following in April 1954. This Association would grow into the current Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.
Since then, the memorial has grown year after year, thanks to the support of the local San Diego community. The site now hosts various events, including its keystone events for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, in honor of all service members nationwide. Now in its third year, the Memorial is also home to the Women’s History Brunch, which recognizes women’s military service and accomplishments during Women’s History Month.
Throughout 2023, the Memorial saw the Wall Expansion project completed, extending five new walls and creating space to hold an additional 2,000 plaques. The landscaping around the Memorial also saw enhancements, with the addition of four new rose beds thanks to the Village Garden Club of La Jolla.
Perhaps its biggest milestone was a record 300,000 visitors over the year, establishing a new record. The Memorial has always been free of charge, making this achievement even more meaningful as the Association strives to educate the public for free.
As the Memorial approaches its 70th Anniversary, the Association and volunteers who keep Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial running are looking to the future. The start of 2024 ushered in four new initiatives, which the Association hopes will improve visitors’ experience at the memorial and offer more to the community.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial continues to be a valuable educational resource, especially for the San Diego region’s significant military and veteran history. With over 6,600 veterans currently on the granite honor walls, students and the general public can learn more about how the American military has shaped our country.
As part of this initiative, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial hosted students, in conjunction with the Walter Munk Foundation, to teach them about the site’s significance geographically and historically. This collaboration marks the first of potential opportunities for San Diego’s students to learn more about the region’s history.
The Memorial is also looking to complement the existing visitors’ experiences with a combination of unique mobile technologies. Interactive mapping will allow visitors to enjoy a guided tour of veteran plaques while sharing their unique stories of service and sacrifice. The aim is to make it easier for docents and visitors to understand our mission and take part in recognizing our Nation’s veterans.
The Memorial is also operated by a dedicated but small team with extensive experience. While the team is passionate about the memorial’s mission, they recognize that the best way to increase its impact is through additional funding. Further monetary support would allow the team to increase its capacity, especially in creating programs that positively impact the community.
Just as necessary is the memorial’s upkeep. The Association is committed to ensuring the entire property is kept in pristine condition, from its granite memorial walls to its gentle walkways and the landmark cross. The memorial strives to be accessible to everyone who comes to honor veterans, and proper maintenance ensures this continues.
Thanks to the generous donations of the surrounding community, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial has stood for 70 years. With continued support, this unique site can continue for another 70 years and beyond, honoring all veterans who served and offering visitors a glimpse into the stories behind each service member.
If you wish to support the memorial, you can donate through our website. The Memorial is open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM. Admission is always free.
