Flags are already out up and down San Diego’s Embarcadero the day before the Fourth of July. This gentleman was taking a break near the fishing pier behind the convention center.
I noticed today that folks are already in the Fourth of July spirit. During my walk along the Embarcadero, I saw flags everywhere. Tomorrow the waterfront will be jammed with hundreds of thousands of San Diegans and tourists, especially during the Big Bay Boom fireworks show which takes place at 9 o’clock. I’ll be watching, too! Don’t expect any photos of fireworks, however, because my modest camera isn’t quite up to that task!
Should you happen to stroll through Seaport Village on Saturday, Alamo Flags will be handing out 1000 actual American flags for free! I was once honored to receive one, and they’re great! Giving away flags is a tradition carried on by the owner, Mike Ismail. Because of his personal experiences, he’s very grateful to live in the Land of the Free.
Port of San Diego’s Big Bay Boom, an Independence Day Spectacular, will take place at 9 o’clock July 4. Several barges on the bay will launch synchronized fireworks.American flag on a pedicab. The driver is waiting for passengers on the Embarcadero, near the USS Midway Museum.Flagship’s Patriot speed boat is about to take folks on a thrill ride! Get ready to be splashed!A street performer wears the Stars and Stripes. Looks like he’s ready to go this Fourth of July weekend.Window at Alamo Flags in Seaport Village has a patriotic display. Mike Ismail, the owner, is proud and grateful to be a free American.Banners near front of Alamo Flags. The shop will give away 1000 actual United States flags on the Fourth of July!Tourists wearing Old Glory have disembarked at Seaport Village from a San Diego SEAL Tours cool Hydra-Terra vehicle, after taking a bay cruise.
Table includes an Exposition Cook Book, letters, activity books, and other DAR documents.
When I was in middle school, I won a medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution for an essay I wrote about Francis Scott Key. I’d forgotten all about it until yesterday.
After checking out the English Village Fete at the International Cottages, I moseyed across Pan American Road to see if anything was going on in the Balboa Park Club building (which used to be the New Mexico state building during the 1915 Panama-California Exposition).
In the big Balboa Park Club Ballroom, San Diegans young and old were having a blast dancing. In the smaller Santa Fe Room, as a part of Balboa Park’s centennial events, a few smiling people were showcasing elaborate historical displays.
I was welcomed enthusiastically. The Daughters of the American Revolution San Diego Chapter was holding this event to commemorate our country’s founding and the long, interesting history of the DAR.
Fascinating material covered two rows of tables. Many displays concerned tracing one’s ancestry and how to search historical archives. To be a member of the lineage-based organization your family tree must include a participant in the American Revolution.
The Balboa Park Club building was designed to appear like an adobe in America’s Southwest.Daughters of the American Revolution memorabilia exhibited in Balboa Park.A Daughters of the American Revolution magazine from 1916.Interesting graphic shows first 12 Regents of San Diego DAR.Arrival in San Diego of President General of the National Society was big news in 1915.A cool exhibit by an African American lady shows her rich family history.Pins and medals of all sorts. Some contain the names of patriotic relations.One poster encourages and assists Hispanic Americans searching for their ancestors.Some beautiful quilts were out for visitors to admire.Example of china produced by the San Diego Chapter in 1915.
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Thousands of Chargers fans head toward the entrance of Qualcomm Stadium for a special public hearing.
Many San Diegans are passionate about their Chargers. The very real possibility that the much-loved NFL team might leave our city has energized the loyal fan base.
This evening a big rally and special public hearing concerning the possible construction of a new stadium in San Diego took place at venerable but decaying (almost half a century old) Qualcomm Stadium.
I work in Mission Valley very close to The Q, so after I clocked out I headed over to check out what was going on in the parking lot. Loads of fans turned out–thousands! Some arrived early and tailgated as if it were a Sunday football game.
Here are some colorful pics before it got dark outside!
Social media driven Save Our Bolts rally attracted a huge crowd of diehard fans.Rapper led passionate crowd chanting Save Our Bolts for many live news cameras.Legions of local football fans waved banners of blue and gold.Handmade signs express hope that Chargers football remains in San Diego.These mega fans were proudly displaying a unique, patriotic Chargers flag.Check out this super cool Chargers custom pickup truck!A long line of people waited to enter Qualcomm Stadium to attend or watch the public hearing.Lots of kids were excited to be part of the big event.Many fans, with hearts full of hope, would observe the proceedings on the old stadium’s Jumbotron.Ladies thank Mayor Faulconer for expediting the process to hopefully keep our much-loved NFL team in San Diego.
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Photo of American who fought in World War II, helping achieve a victory for liberty.
This morning a special Spirit of ’45 wreath laying ceremony was held on San Diego’s Embarcadero, right next to the USS Midway Museum. The area is known as the Greatest Generation Walk, and is dotted with monuments and memorials remembering those who fought in World War II. Today’s event took place at the heels of the large Unconditional Surrender statue, created by artist Seward Johnson. The sculpture was modeled after the iconic photograph of a sailor spontaneously kissing a nurse in New York City’s Times Square upon learning the war was over. How appropriate!
The Spirit of ’45 is an organization and series of events around the country that honors Americans who served in the Second World War. Most of these local tributes are held on or around the happy day the war finally ended, V-J Day, but today’s February ceremony was held in conjunction with a national conference. It kicks off the historic 70th anniversary year of commemorative events.
I got lots of pics!
Color guard is ready prior to Spirit of ’45 kick off event by USS Midway Museum.Only 5 percent of those who fought in World War II remain alive today. Those who participated in the war effort were honored and remembered with gratitude.The Star Spangled Banner is sung as audience listens on San Diego’s Embarcadero.Thanking a genuine hero. Gratitude was expressed during the special ceremony.Young man in Junior ROTC speaks about family members who defended freedom and others who serve today.Dignitaries, veterans and military people on stage for presentation of first wreath.After presenting the first wreath, photo of Philip Schlamberg, last American killed during World War II, is carried by a hero.Rosie the Riveters are thanked for their service. They presented the second wreath.Introducing a British war bride, who thanked Americans for saving Great Britain and freeing Europe from the Nazis.About to bring red, white and blue carnations over to the third, final wreath.Everybody attending is invited to insert a flower, to honor those who served their country in World War II.A special flag awaits nearby on the grass.People from the audience make their way to participate in a patriotic spectacle.Many hands get ready to unfurl the huge flag on the grassy area between the Unconditional Surrender statue and Bob Hope Tribute.The giant billowing flag is unfurled by citizens proud and happy to be free.People carefully hold up American flag in a tribute to fallen heroes.The Stars and Stripes is displayed on the Greatest Generation Walk.Photo of three wreaths and flags after the crowd has dispersed.Young band members relax in the San Diego sunshine.Singers perform nostalgic Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy after ceremony.Small model of Seward Johnson’s Unconditional Surrender sculpture is on display.The iconic kiss is planted right in front of my camera lens!Keep the Spirit of ’45 Alive!
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Alamo Flags in Seaport Village certainly has a few flags!
If you live in San Diego, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Alamo Flags. The cheerful specialty shop near the center of Seaport Village has been known to give away large, beautiful American flags on the Fourth of July.
To express his gratitude for his country, the owner, Mike Ismail, has created a tradition of presenting Old Glory to lucky shoppers on Independence Day.
Recently, he was recognized for this patriotic tradition by local San Diego Chapter 472 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Should you visit his colorful store, you’ll definitely see plenty of red, white and blue!
Bright flags and banners of every type flutter in the blue San Diego sky.An outdoor passage of brilliant colors.Mike Ismail in front of Alamo Flags in Seaport Village.Award above door from San Diego Chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America.Two young men check out window display of many flag pins.A variety of fanciful wind socks dazzles and delights the eye.Fun gifts shaped like hot air balloons seem to lift off.Stars and Stripes are a frequent sight.Alamo Flags stands proudly near the center of San Diego’s Seaport Village.
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San Diego recently made the news as America’s most patriotic city, according to a popular social media network. It doesn’t surprise me. San Diego has more military installations and a higher concentration of veterans than any other city in the United States.
So on the Fourth of July you might expect to see a whole lot of patriotism. You’re right!
Tonight one of the biggest firework displays in the country will take place on San Diego Bay. Right now, people are filtering into the area around the bay to claim viewing spots, have barbeques and picnics, and get themselves ready for the Big Bay Boom, until the number will reach hundreds of thousands.
This afternoon I walked around the Gaslamp and the Embarcadero. Here come some pics!
The streets of San Diego’s Gaslamp District filled with patriotic sights.Shop window in the Gaslamp filled with American flags.Friendship and brotherhood on the Embarcadero Marina Park South pier.One of many boats decked with Fourth of July bunting.The bayfront parks are crowded with tents and celebrating Americans.Thousands along San Diego Bay enjoy barbeque and play.People have claimed spots to watch tonight’s fireworks on the bay.Street performer poses with red, white and blue.Many in the crowd are wearing patriotic clothing.USS Carl Vinson, an active aircraft carrier, strung with festive colors.A display on the Embarcadero of historic diving equipment.Young man near USS Midway speaks to retired Navy diver.Just kicking back on a sunny San Diego Independence Day.The Patriot speed boat is fit for the occasion.Cool pedicab driver gives a peace sign on Fourth of July.
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The big Tony Gwynn flag flies above tall ship America at Maritime Museum.
Both before and after work today, I strolled over to the Embarcadero to take a few pics of the big, 50 foot Tony Gwynn flag. It’s been flying for a couple days from the mast of America, a tall ship owned by Next Level Sailing. America is a replica of the yacht that won the original America’s Cup.
The flag in the late afternoon was fluttering in the sea breeze and glowing brightly in the San Diego sunlight. It seemed a perfect symbol of Tony Gwynn himself. The great, always smiling Padres hitter was not only a superstar, but was like sunshine on a perfect day.
I took the first photo in the early morning, and the others in the late afternoon.
Flag is flown in memory of deceased Tony Gwynn, number 19.Tony Gwynn flag on San Diego Bay seen between Star of India masts.Star of India figurehead faces 19, uniform number of Tony Gwynn.
During my walk along the Embarcadero on June 29, I happened to notice a big Tony Gwynn Padres jersey hanging from the roof of the County Administration Building!
Tony Gwynn jersey on County Administration Building.
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Today is national Flag Day. So during my afternoon walk around downtown San Diego I took photos exclusively of American flags. Here are some shots that you might find interesting…
American flags top many tall office buildings.Flag Day celebrated from a modest downtown rooftop.Reflection on windows of big American flag mural.Bald eagle and American flag mural on Beech Street wall.Patriotic flags on USS Midway Museum superstructure.Red, white and blue adorn cafe below USS Midway flight deck.Small boat cruises around San Diego Bay with flag.Gulls take flight by American flag on busy Embarcadero.Old Town Trolley Tours booth has a flag out.Flag flies proudly in the sea breeze above Star of India.
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I thought of heading up to Mt. Soledad for the Memorial Day ceremony this afternoon, but the thought of crowds and a parking hassle was just too much. Instead, I went for a long walk!
My brilliant plan was to head up Park Boulevard to check out the Veterans War Memorial Building in Balboa Park, just north of the San Diego Zoo. The War Memorial Building was built in 1950 to honor Americans who’d served in the military overseas. Certainly something had to be going on there for Memorial Day!
Boy was I wrong.
The place was dead. Closed. No people. Nothing. Not even a flag on the flagpole. They couldn’t even raise a flag for Memorial Day?
No flag flies for Memorial Day.San Diego Veterans War Memorial Building plaque.
The plaque reads:
SAN DIEGO VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL BUILDING
DEDICATED BY THE CITIZENS OF SAN DIEGO AS A LIVING MEMORIAL TO OUR HONORED DEAD OF ALL WARS AND TO THOSE AMERICANS WHO HAVE FOUGHT FOR THE FOUR FREEDOMS
I
FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION
II
FREEDOM OF EVERY PERSON TO WORSHIP GOD IN HIS OWN WAY
III
FREEDOM FROM WANT
IV
FREEDOM FROM FEAR
Veterans War Memorial is closed on Memorial Day.
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Flags above San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial.
The large new waterfront park around San Diego’s County Administration Building contains an important memorial in a prominent location. The San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial is a glass wall etched with the names of fallen officers. It used to be situated on a patch of lawn a bit south of where it now stands. The beautiful memorial was created by the San Diego County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, and the County of San Diego.
Wreath placed before the names of fallen officers.Glass wall memorial in park by County Administration Building.Remembering those who fell in the line of duty.
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