A little over two years ago I posted a blog about a project that was being undertaken in Coronado. A bronze statue was to be created by artists Chris Slatoff and Elisabeth Pollnow that honors military spouses.
Yesterday, as I walked into Star Park for the Coronado Memorial Day Service, I was excited to see the finished League of Wives Memorial Statue!
The beautiful sculpture was surrounded by chairs for the Memorial Day ceremony and a few people were already sitting nearby, so I self-consciously, very quickly took only three photographs.
You can learn more about the project by revisiting my old blog post here. It includes the statue’s plaque verbiage.
Here’s from March 2023, when money was being raised for the project:
And here’s the finished sculpture, from yesterday:
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Heroes were remembered today in Coronado’s Star Park.
The Coronado Memorial Day Service brought out many families in a close-knit community, and renewed memories of great sacrifice. The ceremony honored members of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives while defending our Nation and its fundamental Freedoms.
Many of these heroes have a connection to Coronado and San Diego. Perhaps they once served here, or their survivors now live here. The placement of memorials, after words from the guest speaker, brought out much emotion. Gold Star Families carried flowers, as did others, young and old.
After the Call to Order, Presentation of Colors, National Anthem and Invocation, General Logan’s historic 11th General Order was read, which in effect created this national day of remembrance.
Soon thereafter, guest speaker Major General Thomas B. Savage, USMC reminded us of certain important things. That Memorial Day isn’t a celebration, or about barbeques, or the beach, or a fun day off from work. It’s about reflection. It’s about remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by heroes to secure the Freedoms that you and I enjoy–and might sometimes take for granted.
The ceremony concluded with a Rifle Salute and Taps.
We must not forget.
I took these photogrphs…
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
It’s Memorial Day weekend in San Diego. As one might expect, the crowds in Balboa Park are large. Today the late spring weather was perfect for a sunny Sunday walk through our beautiful park.
As I wandered about, I discovered several signs that Memorial Day has arrived.
In the early afternoon I noticed a huge thirteen star Betsy Ross version of the Flag of the United States was being hung from one of the Spreckels Organ Pavilion’s colonnades. The flag was furnished by the San Diego Chapter SAR (Sons of the American Revolution.)
Unfortunately, wind gusts were creating an insurmountable problem and the flag was taken down before the two o’clock organ concert began. I’ve been informed another attempt to use the flag will be made during the upcoming Independence Day organ concert on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Dale Sorenson, curator of the Spreckels Organ, was wearing a patriotic red, white and blue tie as he introduced the Sunday afternoon concert. Music selected was appropriate for Memorial Day weekend. There were–count them–five John Philip Sousa marches!
During the United States Armed Forces Medley, San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez asked audience members to stand who were Veterans. Those who stood received grateful applause.
Another perfect San Diego day…
Lawn bowlers were active out on Balboa Park’s West Mesa…
The Southern California Plumeria Society had a Cutting Sale inside the Casa del Prado…
Lots of tickets were being sold for the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad!
The San Diego History Center has a pop-up exhibit concerning Memorial Day in San Diego. There are interesting historical photographs to look at, such as:
A couple of cool guys were breakdancing near the Timken Museum of Art!
A Senior Arts Exhibition can be freely enjoyed in Gallery 21 of the Spanish Village Arts Center through June 2, 2025.
Musicians were performing on the grass at one end of the International Cottages…
Memorial Day is the final day of the San Diego International Fringe Festival. One of the festival venues is Balboa Park’s Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater.
A video playing inside the House of USA cottage is about Memorial Day. It honors those in the United States military who made the ultimate sacrifice.
As a writer, I’m very thankful for Liberty, and I have a deep appreciation for those who’ve defended it.
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
The big 2025 Santee Street Fair was held today! Thousands of happy people came together at Santee Town Center to celebrate the start of summer! It’s Memorial Day weekend!
From entertainment on the main stage . . . to plenty of food . . . to carnival rides for the kids . . . to community organizations and vendors . . . there was plenty to see and do!
I walked around taking in the atmosphere while meeting some friendly people.
As I arrived, cheerleaders from Santana High School were performing for the gathered crowd…
As the next photograph suggests, this is one of the most popular street festivals in San Diego County!
Some of the cool rides in the fun zone…
I learned about animal sanctuary Lions Tigers and Bears in Alpine. I often see them on the TV news. It’s a place I have yet to visit.
Viola makes yummy cookies and other treats. She once was interviewed on CBS News 8!
The City of Santee was well represented at the street fair.
Santee offers many public activities for residents, including families and seniors. The Santee Summer Concerts are coming up!
The San Diego County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trains you to protect yourself, your family, your neighbors and neighborhood in an emergency situation.
I got an emergency kit that includes a Safety Lightstick, which I’ve placed within easy reach in case my power goes out.
These smiling folks were full of information about Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve. If you like freshwater fishing, that would be a great place!
Food galore at the Santee Street Fair!
Mr. Fun smiled for my camera, and probably wondered who the heck I was.
Grama Rose hosts a radio show, which always includes heart, wisdom and a recipe!
American Legion Riders had some wheels near their canopy.
I coaxed a smile out of this VFW gent!
An honest-to-goodness chimney sweep! Did he fly in to Santee from London?
A brilliant karate demonstration receives oohs and aahs from a large audience!
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
Will you join these smiling young ladies and help the Santee Food Bank?
During my visit to the Santee Street Fair today, I learned that the Santee Food Bank could use your assistance fighting hunger. They’d love to welcome new volunteers, contributions of food, and reusable plastic bags that can be filled with food for distribution in the Santee community.
If you have it in your heart, please visit the Santee Food Bank website by clicking here.
Life is tough enough. Imagine going to bed hungry.
Your contributions–even modest ones–directly help people. Those people might be your neighbors.
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
San Diego FC is playing LA Galaxy at Snapdragon Stadium this afternoon. At half-time the score is tied 1-1.
Before the start of every home game, San Diego FC hosts a very popular FanFest on the grass east of the stadium. Today the festival was packed with soccer fans, families and fun!
I walked around FanFest for my first time just for the experience. There are loads of activities. It’s an absolute party! Here are some photos…
Heading toward Snapdragon Stadium from the nearby trolley station.DIRECTV is a major partner of San Diego Football Club.Kids kick a soccer ball around on the grass.This smiling lady was creating soap bubbles earlier!Fans were posing for photos all over the place.Big crowd ahead!Many fans were in line for the team Meet & Greet.The FanFest includes food trucks and picnic tables.I think this guy is supposed to be SDFC Forward Hirving “Chucky” Lozano!Kids find out what it’s like to be a firefighter.Many fans were getting SDFC haircuts!These guys will look very stylish.Dedicated SDFC fans could also have their hair colored.Chrome and azul are San Diego FC’s team colors.Just “kicking it” at the pre-game party!
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
Sharp-eyed people walking through Lindo Lake County Park in Lakeside might notice an old marker in the grass, on the south side of the lake, not far from a large shelter structure. A close examination reveals that it is a Blue Star Memorial By-Way marker, placed by the Lakeside Garden Club. It is dedicated to the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
The marker was placed here almost 40 years ago. This Facebook post recalls: Fourth of July 1986, the Blue Star By‑Way Memorial Marker and star pine were dedicated in Lindo Park, Lakeside, California as part of the opening ceremonies of the Centennial Celebration of Lakeside. As the red, white and blue balloons were released into the sky at the end of the dedication. I think we all felt pride in a job “Well done”.
I noticed that earlier this year, when I spotted the marker, a new tree had been planted near it. Was this the location of the star pine? Anyone who knows more about this history, please leave a comment!
What is a Blue Star Memorial By-Way? Check out this Wikipedia page for an explanation.
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
A few weeks ago, during another walk through National City’s historic Heritage Square, I noticed a plaque in front of the Elizur Steele House. Years ago I blogged about the house, which according to information I’d found was then commonly called the Steele-Blossom House. My blog post concerning the handsome old Victorian house and other nearby structures can be found by clicking here.
I don’t know when this plaque appeared, but it contains additional information and historical photos. I’ll share it…
The Elizur Steele, Crandall-Ennis House (1879) is a Queen Anne style home and was one of the first three homes to be build in National City by Elizur Steele. Elizur and his brother John built 12 homes in the city as well as the once popular and glamorous Royal Hotel, which sat at the corner of 8th St. and National City Blvd.
According to information I once found, the house was moved to its present location in Heritage Square in 1976.
Elizur Steele was the real estate agent of Frank Kimball, who built nearby Brick Row in 1887. To learn more about Heritage Square, visit my old blog post here.
Does the Elizur Steele House appear familiar? It is used in National City’s official logo!
If you’re knowledgeable about the history of National City and have memories or more details concerning this house (or Heritage Square), please leave a comment below!
My most recent photographs, from early 2025…
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
Young and old, lucha libre fans and those who are merely curious–all will enjoy seeing actual masks and costumes worn by wrestling stars, not to mention artwork, posters, comic books, championship belts, collectibles and more.
Fans of Chula Vista’s own legendary Rey Mysterio, popular favorite and many-time international champion who continues to work for WWE, will love seeing how he is generously represented in the exhibit, too!
I was fortunate to get a sneak preview this morning. The exhibition is substantial, taking up the entire second level of the Comic-Con Museum. It has been assembled with the help of Museo de Lucha Libre Tijuana Mexicana.
Topics explored in the exhibition include lucha libre’s origin in Mexico; its impact on the popular culture through many generations; its mythic qualities; the varieties of male luchador and female luchadora characters; luchadora pioneers and their ongoing struggle for recognition and equality; how lucha libre has become increasingly influencial around the world . . .
Yes, anything and everything concerning lucha libre is celebrated!
In essence, lucha libre performers are living, breathing superheroes (or villains). Certain legendary luchadores are revered by millions of fans throughout Mexico. How formidable are these masked wrestlers? Movie posters have them battling gangsters and even vampires!
Lots of fun! Bring the kids!
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
Seniors in San Diego have a great opportunity to get out, make new friends and have fun dancing!
The City of San Diego’s AgeWell Services offers themed dances twice each month in Balboa Park. The dances (including lessons) are held in the Balboa Park Club building’s huge ballroom.
I happened to stumble upon today’s dance while walking around the park. Inside the ballroom a big, happy gathering of seniors was enjoying the day’s Western theme. Refreshments, prizes, decorations in the ballroom and a sprinkling of cowboy hats added to the festive atmosphere!
To see which dances are coming up, check out the information above. Better yet, read the very informative online newsletter published by AgeWell Services! You can do that from their webpage by clicking here.
If doing stuff on the internet isn’t your thing, you can also call Skyler at 619-525-8247. He’s a great guy and will be pleased to help you out!
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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
Cool San Diego Sights! 