Kumeyaay traditional Bird Songs are performed during the San Diego 250 Civic Commemoration Ceremony.
This evening a very special event was held in San Diego.
A crowd gathered near the top of Presidio Hill, in the parking lot just below the Serra Museum, to take part in the San Diego 250 Civic Commemoration Ceremony.
The historic event was staged in the same spot overlooking San Diego Bay where a Spanish mission and presidio were built in 1769. It is where San Diego began 250 years ago.
The first part of the San Diego 250 Civic Commemoration Ceremony featured cultural entertainment representing our remarkably diverse city. Several colorful dances were followed by speeches by politicians, dignitaries and diplomats, plus several leaders of the Native American Kumeyaay people–those who have lived in this region many thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The audience experienced a Kumeyaay blessing and traditional Bird Songs. With sincere words past injustices and the suffering of the Kumeyaay were acknowledged, and optimism was expressed that our city’s future will be inclusive and bright.
For as long as I can remember, three flagpoles have stood at this place where the Spanish built their first outpost in California. Three banners have flown representing the history of San Diego: the flags of Spain, Mexico and the United States.
A fourth flagpole was recently installed. Today, at the close of the ceremony, a flag incorporating the different tribes of the Kumeyaay Nation was blessed with white sage smoke–to purify minds and hearts-and raised proudly, acknowledging and honoring San Diego’s first people.
I took some photographs of this important historical event.
Early arrivals for San Diego’s big 250th Anniversary event claim a seat and await some cultural entertainment.A variety of tents could be visited for food, drink and information about San Diego and its history.Kumeyaay tools and crafts are on display at one table.Map shows the different Kumeyaay villages of our region. The village of Cosoy was located near the base of Presidio Hill, where Old Town is located today.Prior to the ceremony, I walked a bit through Presidio Park. I took a photograph of VIPs arriving by Old Town Trolley at the Serra Museum.Performers lounge on grass behind the stage before the program begins.Someone takes a seat in the VIP section as Lion Dancers begin the multicultural entertainment.
The ballet folklorico dancing that followed was enthusiastic, joyous and loudly applauded.
Dancers representing San Diego’s Portuguese community take the stage.
A dance followed that represented San Diego’s Vietnamese community.
The VIPs take their seats as speeches are about to commence.There are four flagpoles, but only three flags are flying.Mayor Faulconer addresses the crowd, urging unity and a positive future for all who live in San Diego.A leader of the Kumeyaay Nation addresses those assembled.Kumeyaay women sway in front of the stage as the men perform traditional Bird Songs.
A presentation is made to the San Diego History Center, which operates the Junipero Serra Museum and helped to arrange this special ceremony.Before the event concludes, everyone’s attention is directed to the four flagpoles.The Kumeyaay color guard stands ready.The flag of the Kumeyaay Nation is unfolded and blessed.It is raised.The Kumeyaay color guard poses with pride for a photograph.The flag of the Kumeyaay Nation now flies on historic Presidio Hill, in a place of honor.
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The Westwind Brass Ensemble plays in Old Town’s plaza during an 1800’s Fourth of July.
Today a good crowd turned out for a festive 4th of July in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
Every year this event provides a taste of what Independence Day would have been like in the 19th century. Fourth of July celebrations in San Diego would have officially commenced in 1848 when the small town became part of the United States.
If you remember some photographs that I posted three years ago, you might notice the event hasn’t changed much. But I love the color and history and the public participation so much I decided to go once again!
Many came out to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park to enjoy an old-fashioned Independence Day.The Old Town 4th of July offered entertainments that would have been common in the 19th century, after San Diego became part of the United States.Boosters of Old Town San Diego Historic Park raise money by selling sliced watermelon and pies.Members of the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association had a tent with historical displays.Photos or reenacted history near San Diego, including the Battle of San Pasqual during the Mexican–American War.A family at Old Town’s Fourth of July event learns all about spinning yarn.Members of the Historic Quilt Guild had some of their beautiful handiwork on display.These kids were making stuff with beads.Kids have fun with hoops on the grass. Simple play from an age long past.A sack race has everyone laughing.This friendly guy near the blacksmith shop was making an ax handle.Families were peering into the active blacksmith shop.Talking about how iron was shaped in Old Town San Diego in the 19th century.All sorts of nostalgic music and dances and contests entertained the crowd.Handing out small American flags to those in the audience.The keynote address reminds everyone of the meaning of Independence Day.Old Glory readied to be raised on the plaza flagpole.
Diverse people in period costume read segments of the Declaration of Independence. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.Several people attending the event also volunteered to go on stage to read portions of the Declaration of Independence.A patriotic parade for the Fourth of July commences around Old Town San Diego’s historic plaza.
Everyday ordinary Americans are invited to join the parade.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
During my walk through Balboa Park this afternoon, I observed members of the House of USA setting up for their lawn program at the International Cottages. And suddenly I remembered Independence Day is coming up on Thursday!
After walking a little more about the park, I returned to the International Cottages right at two o’clock, just in time for the singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
The crowd wasn’t very large, but everyone was enjoying a fine occasion. The House of USA was serving up hot dogs, and people were stepping inside their cottage to see all sorts of cultural and historical displays. Outside on the stage, Navy Band Southwest’s outstanding Prevailing Winds Ensemble was playing a mixture of classic and popular tunes. I really enjoyed their great rendition of music from The Incredibles!
I checked out a couple of booths on the lawn. The House of USA princess posed for a cool photo. I met a gentlemen promoting the Civil Air Patrol.
Over the years, Civil Air Patrol volunteers have saved thousands of lives. They’re the ones who often transport emergency supplies after a disaster, spot people trapped on rooftops during catastrophic floods, and locate hikers lost in the mountains. I learned they have a cadet program for youth interesting in aviation, personal growth and community service.
The Civil Air Patrol always needs volunteers! Click here to learn more!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
You can easily explore Cool San Diego Sights by using the search box on my blog’s sidebar. Or click a tag! There are thousands upon thousands of photos for you to enjoy!
In Memory of Jesus A. Suarez del Solar Navarro. Was born in Tijuana, Mexico – died like a hero and he will live forever in our hearts.
Today I walked through beautiful Kit Carson Park in Escondido. I was on my way to see Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a world famous sculpture garden by Niki de Saint Phalle. It’s an extraordinary work of art that celebrates life. I’ll post many photos in the next day or two.
As I walked up a path near Eagle Scout Lake, I stumbled upon a small memorial under a tree. I looked down to read some words.
A family in Escondido’s Kit Carson Park pauses to gaze at a small memorial.American flags and The Aztec Warrior. Hero of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
This morning I went to a Memorial Day ceremony at the San Diego Vietnam Peace Memorial, next to Balboa Park’s Veterans Museum. Representatives from San Diego’s Vietnamese community attended. They presented a wreath in remembrance. A beautiful new POW/MIA monument was revealed. (See my previous blog post.)
I and others then boarded an Old Town Trolley Tours bus. We were driven by our amazing Vietnam veteran driver Sam to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. There we attended the 119th Memorial Service and Day of Remembrance.
We heard deeply felt tributes to those who have served and sacrificed. Many wreaths were presented. Hearts poured out.
Thousand of tiny flags fluttered in the sea breeze.
Come along with me…
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
A beautiful new POW/MIA monument was unveiled today at the San Diego Vietnam Peace Memorial, outside the Veterans Museum in Balboa Park.
During a moving Memorial Day ceremony, a black cloth concealing the monument was removed, revealing a gorgeous mosaic showing the American flag, a soaring eagle, and at the center the POW/MIA emblem. The artists who created the mosaics at the Vietnam War Memorial in La Mesa were also responsible for this stunning work.
In a stirring speech we learned that the remains of 67 missing in action were identified and brought home in the last year. Those who lost their lives on our nation’s behalf will not be left behind.
And they will never be forgotten.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
This morning I attended a special Memorial Day weekend ceremony on the flight deck of the USS Midway. Heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our precious freedom were remembered and honored.
A community band played. The National Anthem was sung. Two vintage warplanes passed overhead. The colors were retired.
Veterans and those who fell in battle were thanked with moving speeches. Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, commander of Navy Region Southwest, spoke powerfully about protecting liberty. I jotted down a few of her words. “Our banner of Freedom soaring high . . . others before self . . . honoring their lives and their great sacrifices . . .”
Veterans in attendance were asked to speak into a microphone and tell everyone where they served. Repeated applause.
Four wreaths honoring those who’ve gone before were tossed from the flight deck into San Diego Bay, and a fifth was tossed from the Maritime Museum’s restored Swift Boat.
Harbor Patrol boats signaled their honor with columns of water.
Many salutes.
Fluttering flags in sunlight.
Proud faces.
Faces of those who have served their nation.
Faces of those who remember.
Faces of those who will never, ever forget.
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
