The historic California Tower rises into the blue sky above San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.
This morning, at 11:00 am, the carillon bells of Balboa Park’s iconic California Tower chimed twenty-one times. These symbolic Bells of Peace marked the centennial of Armistice Day.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, exactly one hundred years ago, World War I finally came to an end.
In the United States, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday that honors American veterans who’ve served their country in war and in peace. So this morning, when the clock struck eleven, on what might be called the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day, a special ceremony accompanied the ringing Bells of Peace. Flags were presented and voices lifted in front of the Museum of Man.
These photographs relive that ceremony…
Bells of Peace rang out for the 100th Anniversary of Veterans Day! A special ceremony was held in front of the San Diego Museum of Man.People gather for a symbolic, emotionally powerful event.Gina Seashore, who plays the carillon inside the California Tower, addresses those who have gathered for the Veterans Day ceremony.The patriotic Color Guard, from Ramona High School’s NJROTC, moves forward as the short ceremony begins.Flags advance to the front of the Museum of Man.
A trio sings the National Anthem.
After the carillon bells ring twenty-one times, Taps is played.
…
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!
At events around San Diego County, ordinary citizens will honor heroes who’ve served our country. Flags will wave, bands will march, memories will be shared. Handshakes will transmit gratitude.
Over the years I’ve attended a variety of events that celebrate veterans. I’ve also learned of several ways to provide veterans with a little assistance.
Here are links to past blog posts that might interest you…
The 62nd Annual Massing of the Colors and Service of Remembrance was held this morning at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The stirring, patriotic event is organized by the San Diego Chapter of Military Order of the World Wars. Its purpose is to honor the flag and support and remember those who have served our country and defended liberty, including those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The parade of color guards this year included about 30 groups, from a variety of local organizations representing ordinary Americans, the military, veterans, law enforcement, JROTC and ROTC, and scouting.
The annual Massing of the Colors has been held at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for 62 years without interruption. During a speech, special recognition was given to the Daughters of the American Revolution, who have faithfully participated in this patriotic celebration every single year.
When I arrived at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, a practice run was just finishing up. After a short wait, the parade of color guards commenced.
I will let my photographs tell the story.
…
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!
An important exhibition of paintings by acclaimed artist Kadir Nelson is now showing at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park.
On display is the original artwork used to illustrate the picture book Blue Sky, White Stars, this year’s KPBS One Book, One San Diego for Kids Selection. Young students across our city will be reading the picture book this year, sharing their experience together. The author is Sarvinder Naberhaus.
The book’s original paintings by Kadir Nelson contain iconic American imagery, and often include the patriotic red, white and blue of the American flag. Ideals such as Liberty, Justice and Equality proudly live in the faces of his subjects. His powerful, humane artwork has been compared to that of Norman Rockwell.
Kadir Nelson spent his formative years in San Diego, attending Crawford High School. The exhibition at the San Diego History Center includes a few examples of his early drawings.
As an artist of international stature, Kadir Nelson has produced art for many award-winning books, The New Yorker magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Coca-Cola Company, and Major League Baseball. His work appears on United States Postal Service commemorative stamps and on Michael Jackson’s posthumously released album. His paintings can be found in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, The National Baseball Hall of Fame, and the U.S. House of Representatives.
Visit this exhibition at the San Diego History Center and you’ll quickly see that Kadir Nelson is a truly extraordinary American artist, whose striking images linger in your mind. You’ll also perceive the optimism and heart that gives amazing life to his work.
The Spectacle, 2016, gracing the front cover of Blue Sky, White Stars, was painted by Kadir Nelson.In a short video at the San Diego History Center, Kadir Nelson talks about his work and inspiration.Displayed in the exhibition are seven books featuring the bold, powerfully moving artwork of Kadir Nelson.Eight extraordinary The New Yorker covers with artwork by Kadir Nelson.A drawing by Kadir Nelson from his teen years. Crawford Horse Sitting on Mascots, 1991, pen and ink on paper.Pioneers (White Rows), 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Sew Together (Betsy Ross), 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Well Worn: Abe Lincoln, 2016, Kadir Nelson.We Shall Overcome, 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Stand Proud (Civil War Soldiers), 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.Cracker Jacks, 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.The Patriot, 2016, oil on canvas, Kadir Nelson.
…
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!
Flags move forward down Orange Avenue during the 2018 Fourth of July Parade in Coronado.
This morning I headed to Coronado to enjoy another Fourth of July parade.
This is the third year I’ve photographed the epic event. I had considered going elsewhere this year, but Independence Day in Coronado is special, and their patriotic parade is arguably the very best in the entire country, so I couldn’t resist experiencing it all again one more time!
I arrived early to Coronado and walked about for a bit, then found a spot on the parade route just before it started down Orange Avenue.
Here are some colorful photos…
People slowly gather in Coronado for a patriotic Fourth of July Celebration.A guy waits on the sidewalk for the big morning parade with his flag ready.Red, white and blue bunting could be seen on shops and buildings throughout Coronado.Kid heads down Orange Avenue on a small bicycle decorated for Independence Day.Many homes had patriotic banners and decorations. Most residents in Coronado support our country and its core principle of human liberty.A smiling Uncle Sam at someone’s front gate.These tie-dye Coronado shirts in front of a shop are red, white and blue.People relax and look at artwork for sale in Spreckels Park. An afternoon concert in the park features patriotic music.Patriotic wreath and bouquet in front of the Coronado Police headquarters honor and remember Senior Volunteer Patrol volunteers who recently passed away.Portraits of hometown heroes.People head down Orange Avenue to get in their spots as the parade is about to begin.Hats are removed and hands placed over hearts as thousands sing the National Anthem.Can you see it yet? The parade? Here it comes!Members of San Diego County law enforcement from Escondido ride down the parade route on horseback.The distinguished Grand Marshall this year was Vice Admiral Brown.Several heroic Pearl Harbor survivors received great applause from the crowd.The Fourth of July Parade in Coronado goes on and on with too many participants to mention!A patriotic pooch.Here comes Marine Corps Band San Diego.Military based in San Diego march by on Independence Day.Wounded Warriors get a big Welcome Home!A gigantic American flag carried by many hands.Smiles from many who are happy to live in the Land of the Free.Here comes the Castle Park High School Trojan Brigade! They came up from Chula Vista.As you might imagine, lots of cool cars were in the parade.A driver touches hands with the crowd as kids wave.I think I see Maverick of Top Gun in that cockpit! No, it’s actually a young Tom Cruise look-alike who sometimes poses for photos by the USS Midway Museum. I spoke to him once and he’s a super friendly cool guy.The USS Midway Museum is always an important participant in San Diego’s patriotic events.During patriotic holidays, the Rotary Club of Coronado lines Orange Avenue’s grassy median with American flags.Look! Here comes Honest Abe!I was getting hungry and hoped this lady might accidentally flip a pancake my way.Guys in wheelchairs shoot hoops behind the Rotary float.Another hero is celebrated. He represents The Distinguished Flying Cross Society.There were lots of parade participants on horseback.Another American veteran is saluted. I saw many members of The Greatest Generation being thanked for their service long ago.More pageantry, another marching band.Members of the United States Navy march past.A flag held high greets passing musicians.A beauty queen, seeing my camera, smiles and waves!People watch the big parade from a building on Orange Avenue.Flags everywhere.
…
This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego! Are you curious? There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!
Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts. If you’re using a phone or small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!
To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
Late light reflects from the Marriott Marquis onto San Diego Bay near Seaport Village.
So far this Memorial Day weekend I’ve enjoyed short walks through several favorite places. I’ve done a lot of sitting, reading, writing, eating ice cream, enjoying sunshine. And I’ve taken photos, of course. I always carry my little camera in hand. So why not?
Here are some random images. The first eight photos are from Friday evening along the Embarcadero. They are followed by photos from Saturday and Sunday.
Another beautiful day at Embarcadero Marina Park North.Evening kites fly in the remaining daylight above Donal Hord’s sculpture Morning.Sunset clouds reflected in the still water of Marriott Marina.Many downtown buildings reflect light magically.A fine late Friday walk by the water to begin the long Memorial Day weekend.A bright moon above tinted clouds.Leonardo Nierman’s sculpture Flame of Friendship catches the sun’s last rays as the lights come on at the San Diego Convention Center.Artist Pete Tillack creates stunning new artwork in front of Michael J Wolf Fine Arts in the Gaslamp Quarter.Three sailboats pass the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) aircraft carrier docked at Naval Air Station North Island.A bunch of happy people on the ferry to Coronado wave at me from beneath the ship’s American flag.Looks like a family enjoyed a tour of the USS Midway Museum during the Memorial Day weekend.Many people were out on enjoying the San Diego sunshine.A restored PCC streetcar of the San Diego Trolley’s Silver Line passes near Kansas City Barbeque. A huge inflatable Uncle Sam is out for the Memorial Day weekend.In Balboa Park, at the International Cottages, a big food festival was underway on Sunday. Yummy smells filled the air.Colorful dancers grace the outdoor stage at the International Cottages.San Diego Civic Organist Raúl Prieto Ramírez greets people up on the stage at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion after the Sunday concert.Marine and a new bride head for their stretch limousine in Balboa Park.Street entertainment delights a crowd in Balboa Park’s Plaza de Panama.The WorldBeat Cultural Center had lots of colorful flowers out on the sidewalk beside Park Boulevard.Many flags fly proudly on the Memorial Day weekend near the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center. Including the POW/MIA flag. You Are Not Forgotten.
Today I published two new stories on my website Short Stories by Richard. They’re both very quick reads.
Magic in this world is abundant. I sensed some of it this evening during my walk home.
As I headed west along Broadway, slanting sunlight touched downtown buildings in unexpected ways, as if cast by a wizard with a flashing wand. The sun rolled away and the moon brightened. And then a few city lights blinked on.
The magic was plainly visible to anyone with lifted eyes.
…
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!
Two of three huge flags that celebrate the history of baseball at San Diego’s old Lane Field. On the left you can see Ted Williams, one of the greatest Major League Baseball hitters of all time, taking a swing.
Three huge, colorful flags will soon be flying above Lane Field Park. They were created by local artist Lisa Schirmer in a coordinated effort between the Port of San Diego and the Hensel-Phelps Construction Company. They celebrate the history of baseball at Lane Field.
The vivid banners, which Lisa calls windglyphs, are titled Spirits of the West Wind. They feature two images of baseball legend Ted Williams and one of Eddie Erautt. Both played baseball at long-vanished Lane Field, which was located in downtown San Diego right next to the water.
Ted Williams was perhaps the greatest Major League hitter of all time. The baseball legend was born in San Diego. Early in his baseball career he played for the Pacific Coast League San Diego Padres at Lane Field, helping his team win the PCL pennant in 1937.
Eddie Erautt pitched three and a half seasons for the PCL San Diego Padres. He went 16-12 in 1954 when the Padres were PCL champions and 18-10 in 1955.
Images of the players on two windglyphs were based on photographs in Bill Swank’s book Echoes from Lane Field.
I love how large, bright and colorful these flags are, and how they celebrate an important page in San Diego baseball history. Bill Swank says the way they billow reminds him how the wind would blow off San Diego Bay and carry home runs over the right field wall of Lane Field, to bounce onto Pacific Highway. Many great memories where made here.
This Wednesday, there will be an official unveiling of the colorful banners at 8:30 am. I was fortunate to get a preview today, during a flag-raising rehearsal for the coming event.
Enjoy some photos!
Three colorful windglyphs created by San Diego artist Lisa Schirmer fly above Lane Field Park.Rehearsal of a flag raising. The public art unveiling ceremony takes place later this week. That unfurled banner shows Ted Williams fielding a ball. Artist Lisa Schirmer stands on the left. Photo courtesy of Bill Swank.Local baseball expert Bill Swank shows his book Echoes from Lane Field, which recounts the early years of San Diego baseball and the Padres.The banner depicting pitcher Eddie Erautt is based on one of these old baseball photos.On the colorful center banner, Eddie Erautt winds up to pitch the ball.The wind plays with a baseball memory. Ted Williams seems to come alive as he takes his classic swing.Action photo of Ted Williams used by Lisa Schirmer in one windglyph. Photographer: Heber Epperson. Courtesy of Autumn Durst Keltner.Baseball memories take flight in the San Diego sky at Lane Field Park!
Here’s a good pic I took at a later time…
…
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!
Those who have served were honored in San Diego during the 2017 Veterans Day Parade along the Embarcadero.
Late this morning I walked down to the Embarcadero to enjoy the 2017 San Diego Veterans Day Parade. And I got dozens of photos!
An enthusiastic crowd lining Harbor Drive watched one of the largest Veterans Day parades in the United States. San Diego is home to a large number of active and retired military. And those who have served are honored.
Thank you for defending our freedom!
Someone hold a sign that reads Proud Of Our Veterans.Before the parade, representatives of Naval Medical Center San Diego posed for pictures.Participants in the Veterans Day Parade practice in Waterfront Park near the County Administration Building.The color guard awaits the start of the big parade down Harbor Drive.Dave Scott of KUSI television fires up people waiting in the bleachers.Everybody is ready for a patriotic parade!Many would watch the parade from across Harbor Drive, near the Maritime Museum of San Diego. I spotted sailboats out on the bay.Here we go!The Marine Corps Band gets things rolling.Marching with pride and precision during the Veterans Day Parade.The parade heads down Harbor Drive, along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero. The parade route would finish near Seaport Village.Here comes the Mount Miguel High School JROTC.A simple heartfelt message. Welcome home to all our heroes.Pageantry and patriotism.Beauty queens wave. They represent the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Lakeside.Patrick Henry High School’s colorful Spirit of ’76 Marching Patriots pause for a moment on the parade route.Banners begin to twirl in the San Diego sunlight.The Patrick Henry High School marching band wows the crowd.Here comes the USS Midway Museum contingent.The kids standing near me loved seeing the big inflatable USS Midway aircraft carrier.And the fighter jet up in the blue sky, too!San Diego High School’s Army JROTC was in the Veterans Day Parade.The Young Marines march by.Flags raised high from the American Legion truck. They proudly support our Veterans.Many motorcyclists were also in the parade.Lots of smiles of gratitude from those watching.This group was keeping the Spirit of ’45 alive! Photos of servicemembers who fought in World War II are carried during the parade.Parade participants included young and old alike.An All American San Diego Salute for our WWII Veteran Heroes.The Vietnam Veterans of America were an important part of the parade. They received loud cheers.Is that a cool car, or what?A flag held high.Here come the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.A POW MIA flag follows a group of honored Veterans.Wells Fargo had their stagecoach in the parade. They salute heroes who serve.Hundreds of active duty military personnel based in San Diego now marched past. The crowd thanked every one of them.Those serving in military facilities and on Navy ships based in San Diego filed past.The parade goes on. The Monte Vista High School Monarch Royal Brigade marches by.The San Diego County Veteran of the Year is recognized.Member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society passes in a classic car.Kid holds a sign that reads Thank You For Your Service!!! Air Force – Army – Coast Guard – Marines – NavyThe San Diego Padres baseball team is a big supporter of the active military and all Veterans.Heroes who’ve been assisted by the Veterans Village San Diego march past. Thank you for your service! Know that you are appreciated by many!Here comes the Morse High School JROTC.The Morse High School Tigers had a huge number of great participants in the Veterans Day Parade!Meanwhile, lots of cool stuff was being handed out to those watching the parade.These friendly folks were handing out American flags.A reenactment of the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima was part of the parade.Here comes the Korean Veterans Association.Smiles up and down the parade route.Here come recipients of the Purple Heart. Honoring America’s combat wounded Veterans.It’s the fun Squibob Fire Department!The San Diego Diocese Chapter of Knights of Columbus marches past.The 2017 Veterans Day Parade in San Diego today brought many smiles to the waterfront.
…
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 share and enjoy!
Cool San Diego Sights! 