Flags and flowers are placed where the fallen now rest.
Today there was a moving Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. I attended.
Here are some photos. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, located on Point Loma high above the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, is the final resting place of thousands of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, and their families, who served their country with courage and honor. Many who are buried in this hallowed place fought in different conflicts spanning our nation’s history, right up to the present-day War on Terrorism. Because of its amazing natural setting, many say Fort Rosecrans is more beautiful than even Arlington or Normandy. As you can see, it’s a special place.
A Memorial Day rose adorns a solemn grave marker at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.American flags at the grave markers around the USS Bennington Monument. The granite obelisk remembers those sailors who lost their lives when the warship’s boiler exploded in San Diego Bay in 1905.Love and respect are shown for those in the military who pledged to protect their countrymen, and defend freedom. They are honored on Memorial Day.Walking among silent rows of white. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.Many old granite markers at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery recall decades and centuries of history.A marker reads: “Lydia Hunter died from complications resulting from the birth of her only child, a son named Diego Hunter, the first American born in San Diego. Diego was born 20 April 1847, Lydia died 6 days later. May we honor her and each of those women who served with the Mormon Battalion.” Members of the Mormon Battalion made the longest military march in U.S. history. They marched over 2000 miles from Iowa to San Diego in 1847.People assemble in front of the rostrum where the Memorial Day service will be conducted at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.People from all walks of life have gathered together to honor those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.While people take their seats before the opening and introduction, Marine Band San Diego provides music.The color guard comes forward. Those attending the ceremony sing the Star Spangled Banner and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.Some patriots in the crowd wave small flags.Veterans salute. Respect is shown for the flag.The color guard exited along the side where I sat, allowing me to take a couple of good photographs.Members of a high school ROTC program carry the United States and California flags.Folded flags are presented to families of fallen heroes. Everyone watching was very attentive and quiet.An address about different forms of love during Memorial Day. The moving speech was given by Major General O’Donohue of the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton.Ceremonial wreaths approach the rostrum. Many organizations presented wreaths, including the Knights of Columbus shown here.Various ceremonial wreaths are displayed in front of the assembled people. Tokens of love, gratitude and respect.Finally, taps is played while the cemetery flag is lowered to half staff. Salutes included three rifle volleys, a musket volley, and a cannon.A bagpiper, after playing Lament for a Soldier, exits across the green grass, where the fallen lie eternally.The ceremony is over, and those visiting the cemetery fan out to pay their respects. The Marine Band remained seated for a bit of concluding music.A Navy officer walks down a cemetery driveway, which overlooks the channel entrance to San Diego Bay.Walls around the cemetery contain columbarium niches for cremated remains. Naval Air Station North Island and downtown San Diego are visible in the background.Walking along the columbarium. Its plaques identify loved ones.These two guys had bouquets in their backpacks. They are gazing along the Point Loma peninsula in the direction of Cabrillo National Monument.A deeply moving sight. Solemn rows of white on rolling green hills. Volunteers have provided every grave with an American flag and rose.Member of the next generation among those who came before.The living walk thoughtfully through Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.More grave markers and a small plaque nearby.The markers in this memorial area honor veterans whose remains have not been recovered or identified, were buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and the ashes scattered.After the Memorial Day ceremony, some people linger to view the floral tributes and the flag-draped Casket of the Unknown Soldier. The plaque behind the rostrum contains President Lincoln’s famed Gettysburg Address.And now almost everyone has departed.Plaque near Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery entrance has lines from The Bivouac of the Dead, a poem by Theodore O’Hara.The main entrance plaque at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The flag flies at half staff.Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is also a California Registered Historical Landmark.Several monuments near the cemetery entrance memorialize tragic events in U.S. military history, including ships lost in action.Flags in the breeze. A cloudy day. People atop the hill gaze down at the eternal ocean.Looking beyond grave markers toward a hazy blue horizon.A beautiful old tree rises from the Earth. Life persists.A slow, thoughtful walk.Youth replaces a red rose that was blown by the wind to the ground. He doesn’t realize that someone is watching.
…
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.
Shriner clown gives high fives to crowd during the 2015 Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon, California.
The 69th Annual Mother Goose Parade was held today in El Cajon, out in San Diego’s East County. The popular parade, which originated in 1947, is a highly-anticipated local tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season. This year the theme was super heroes, both fictional and real.
The Mother Goose Parade has become the second largest parade west of the Mississippi . . . and until today I’d never seen it in person! So I figured I had to go check it out! Here are a few fun photos…
Mother Goose Parade, A Celebration of Children, is the second largest parade west of the Mississippi. It’s celebrating its 69th anniversary this year!A young boy hugs Mother Goose before the parade begins.And here comes a live goose! It was honking in a friendly way, much to the delight of everybody.Kids gravitated toward the goose. It gravitated toward some offered food.Dave Scott from KUSI News was introducing television viewers to Mother Goose and “Other Goose”! It was the funniest thing I saw all day!An inflatable Mother Goose balloon floats in the blue sky as the parade is ready to begin.The Mother Goose Parade is underway! The fun annual tradition in San Diego’s East County draws enormous crowds.These friendly guys on horseback are from the El Cajon Mounted Police.Truck 6 of Heartland Fire and Rescue sounds its loud horn and siren as it passes by!A big, patriotic American Legion float in the Mother Goose Parade.The Boy Scouts parade the colors down Main Street in El Cajon.The marching band of Christian High School in El Cajon provides stirring music during the parade.Cal Fire had a huge bulldozer in the parade! Wildfire poses a big threat to San Diego’s East County neighborhoods.Families have gathered on a beautiful Saturday morning. Kids and adults watch the Mother Goose Parade, which this year has a super hero theme.The Lions Club showcased America’s true super heroes–those who serve to defend our freedom.Kids wave from a float dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer.A bunch of wacky clowns following the Scooby Doo Mystery Machine made lots of people smile.This equestrian group had superhero horses! Now I’ve seen everything!And at the end of the parade, as always, there was Santa Claus. The jolly old elf and Mrs. Claus seem to be enjoying the sunny Southern California day. Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!
Getting ready for the Veteran’s Day Memorial Program at the House of USA Cottage in Balboa Park.
Today I enjoyed a special Veteran’s Day program in Balboa Park. It was held on the lawn at the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. The City Guard Band of San Diego played some great music, including a composition titled San Diego Exposition March, written by Gunner Tolbert for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition held in Balboa Park. Some other pieces I heard were selections from South Pacific, Victory at Sea, and, of course, the Star Spangled Banner.
I took a number of photos, and ventured into the House of USA Cottage to absorb some of the atmosphere. I thought you’d might like to have a look. Please read the captions for some more interesting information.
The band is ready to play as people gather around the stage in the lawn area of the International Cottages. It’s a Sunday afternoon in San Diego’s beautiful Balboa Park.City Guard Band of San Diego plays during a special Veteran’s Day program. The band originated in 1880, when members were part of a local volunteer militia.Old plaque at base of large tree near the center of the surrounding cottages. Dedicated in honor of Arthur E. Vest, Department Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.A relaxed Veteran’s Day gathering at Balboa Park’s peaceful House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.Folks at a table in front of the House of USA Cottage listen to the band play patriotic and other popular tunes.These fine ladies smiled for my camera! Those treats on the table are well known to this blogger!American flag and a Welcome at the front door of the USA cottage in Balboa Park.Inside the USA cottage. Welcome home all the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces.Famous portraits and memorabilia from American history cover walls and fill shelves in the House of USA Cottage.Playing the piano for anyone who wanders in on another perfect sunny San Diego day. Someone was whistling nearby.The Stars and Stripes and various books celebrating Americana.Playing sparkling music, from marches to musicals, celebrating those who’ve served to protect our freedom.
…
Follow this blog for more photos of unique events! Join me on Facebook or Twitter.
Color guard leads the way during the Coronado Independence Day parade on Orange Avenue.
While this blog post contains a whole bunch of photos, they only represent a small fraction of today’s Independence Day parade in Coronado. This Fourth of July parade is one of the biggest and best in the nation. Coronado is about as apple pie as a town can get, as it’s home to two very important military bases: Naval Air Station North Island and the Naval Amphibious Base.
Before the parade began, I walked about checking out the sights, smells and sounds. Hopefully I captured a bit of the experience with these photographs…
Welcome to Coronado . . . A Star Spangled Summer!I believe these runners raced earlier in the Crown City Classic that started and ended at Tidelands Park, a few blocks away.Almost everyone I saw was wearing clothing or costumes befitting a Fourth of July celebration!Someone wrote on the sidewalk with chalk: Happy Fourth of July!Tent in front of the Veterans of Foreign Wars on Orange Avenue was raising money selling parade-worthy treats.The Lions Club had a stand at Spreckels Park near the center of patriotic Coronado.People check out art on display in Spreckels Park.What could be more American than tossing a baseball while waiting for the big parade to begin?A shop window had a dog with a red, white and blue bow!Humans and canines were all decked out for the occasion!And what could be more American than a hot dog? A hot dog draped by a flag!The businesses along Orange Avenue had all sorts of Independence Day wares and decorations outside.There is no greater love than this: That a person would lay down his life for his friends.Kids with flags follow a big wagon full of lawn chairs, as the parade is almost ready to start.Finishing touches are put on the poop circles. Should a horse poop in your chalk circle, you win a special prize!Tens of thousands are ready now along the entire length of Coronado. I think I hear the distant parade approaching.Actually, it’s the pre-parade entertainment. These performers are swirling and dancing to the delight of the crowd!A colorful costume gets onlookers in the mood for a big, fun parade.These guys are the Emilio Wallace Panamanian Marching Band of California!The official parade has begun. The Escondido Mounted Posse carries flags.Red, white and blue flowery carts are pulled by miniature horses!The Grand Marshall this year was Vice Admiral Thomas Rowden, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet.And here comes the San Diego County tax collector, waving cheerfully to all!Beautifully groomed long-tailed horses and a poodle strut their stuff down the parade route.A color guard precedes honored Pearl Harbor survivors.A veteran who served during Pearl Harbor. He and other fellow heroes received the loudest applause all day.A Pearl Harbor survivor waves to the crowd. Many were shouting “Thank You”.Applause for the Pearl Harbor survivors as they pass on by for the Fourth of July.Here comes the Marine Corps band!An American military veteran rides his motorcycle down Orange Avenue.Gold Star Mothers, with signs of loved ones killed in action. The people of Coronado understand that defending freedom can require sacrifice.Wounded Warriors are welcomed home.Remembering our local fallen. Some gave all.San Diego Young Marines march. A future generation of heroes.An avenue of proud, billowing flags.Reenacting raising the flag at Iwo Jima, The United States Marine Corps War Memorial.San Diego heroes carry a large American flag.Here come the Valley Center Rodeo Queens on horseback.Welcome Home Seth. Your country thanks you.Welcome Home Rodger. Our returning warrior.Cool old cars from the Avenue of Heroes.Now that’s an antique.Of course, the big parade includes the Wells Fargo stagecoach.Even the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club was a part of the big Independence Day parade.Meet the canine Vice Mayor of Coronado. I’m not sure which dog is the Mayor.It’s the Castle Park High School marching band.Some medieval knights did battle on the parade route. Seems one has emerged the victor.Pink flamingos greet the crowd. I wonder if they wandered over here from the Marriott Coronado Resort’s flamingo pond.Coronado is one of the most patriotic places you’ll find. Naval Air Station North Island and the Naval Amphibious Base where Seals train are located here.An unrestored FJ-3 Fury from the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at MCAS Miramar was towed to Coronado for the parade!Historic fighter jet heads down Orange Avenue as Fourth of July parade onlookers honor the troops.
Kids wave at Star Wars stormtrooper and TIE fighter pilot at the Coronado Independence Day parade!
I spent the morning in Coronado. I’ve always wanted to see their huge Independence Day parade, reputed to be one of the very best in America. (And I believe it! I’ll be posting a bunch of pics later–I’ve got a lot of photos to go through!)
One of the biggest sensations of the parade was created when a bunch of San Diego Star Wars Society members passed down the length of Orange Avenue, engaging in elaborate cosplay. Talk about cool! It’s like Comic-Con started early!
San Diego Stars Wars Society members engaged in elaborate cosplay for Coronado’s Fourth of July parade!Imperial stormtrooper rides a Segway, an advanced land vehicle from the early 21st century.A biker scout trooper clears a path for the San Diego Star Wars Society with a flag-festooned, red, white and blue patriotic motorcycle!The Dark Force seems to have a big following. But don’t be alarmed. Some fearless Jedi Knights have arrived!An army of white-armored clones marches down a very crowded Orange Avenue in Coronado. The parade featured a fantastic variety of cool sights.Kids have a whole lot of fun as costumed Star Wars enthusiasts participate in the Coronado Independence Day parade.
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.
Jeff, a challenged athlete who benefits from Operation Rebound, at a special marathon Spreckels Organ concert.
Right now I’m sitting at my computer on Cortez Hill, not far from Balboa Park. Sometimes I imagine–for a brief moment–that I can hear music drifting in through the window. Whether my ears are deceiving me or not, I do know that the huge Spreckels Organ is booming across the beloved urban park at this very exact moment.
How do I know this? Because San Diego’s own Civic Organist, Dr. Carol Williams, is playing the king of musical instruments today for twelve and a half hours straight! In addition to setting a new official Guinness World Record for organ playing, she’s raising money for Operation Rebound!
Operation Rebound is a division of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. They help American military personnel, veterans and first responders who face permanent disability, but who have a passion to compete in sports. An active lifestyle can help greatly when it comes to both mental and physical health. Here is their website.
The unique event today at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion helps to raise money, so that wounded warriors can obtain expensive prosthetics, specialized equipment, and funds for travel as they compete in sporting tournaments.
It is a most worthy cause.
You can donate right now! Even a few bucks helps! To do so, click here!
Operation Rebound table had images of wounded warriors who have turned or returned to sport. This organization helps challenged athletes with their expenses.Dr. Carol Williams, San Diego’s Civic Organist, is playing for over 12 hours to help raise money, plus to set a new world record!The beautiful Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park is the scene of an important Memorial Day weekend event.Jeff talks movingly about how Operation Rebound has helped him. Wounded warriors who engage in sports often need funds for prosthetics, travel to tournaments, and special equipment.At a table nearby, people were creating greeting cards that thank our troops for sacrificing for our freedom.One handmade heartfelt card reads: You Rock! Thank you for your bravery, dedication, and amazing strength.
…
To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
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.
…
To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.
Public art in San Diego honors those who serve in uniform, defending Peace, Liberty, Justice, America , Freedom.
Four large painted murals can be seen under Interstate 5 where the freeway passes over Rosecrans Street, just west of Old Town. The title of my blog post is a bit deceptive, because I only managed to get decent pics of three murals. The fourth, which depicts the Coronado Bay Bridge, was half in sunlight, half in darkness, and is the least interesting (in my opinion) of the four anyway.
Mural includes two colorful scenes from historic Old Town, just a short walk away.Four works of art glimpsed by motorists as they drive under the busy overpass.Pedestrians file past artwork that shows nearby San Diego River and wildlife.
…
To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.
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!
…
To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.
Cool San Diego Sights! 