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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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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At the center of La Mesa’s HYFD Vietnam Memorial Park stands a three-sided monument containing many plaques.
A beautiful memorial in La Mesa remembers Vietnam Veterans who gave their lives for their country. The Heartland Youth for Decency Vietnam Memorial Park was originally built in 1970, then restored and rededicated in 2014. It can be found at the corner of University Avenue and Nebo Drive.
A community group of young people called Heartland Youth for Decency (HYFD) built the monument at a time when there was a great deal of contention about the Vietnam War. Its purpose was to honor veterans from San Diego’s East County who were killed during that horrible war.
Here are photos that I took today. The small Memorial Park can seem lost in the endless hustle and bustle of surrounding streets. But words that speak of courage, grief and honor stand quietly waiting, for any who wish to see.
Read the captions for a bit more description.
Flags fly in the January breeze. A helmet atop a cross, signifying those killed during the Vietnam War.Greater Love Hath No Man… Heartland Area Vietnam DeathsWe of Heartland Youth for Decency dedicate this monument to the young men from our own generation who have given their lives that we might be free.A man died for me today…A colorful tile mosaic bench in the park with American flag and peace sign.A second bench has a star at either end.A bald eagle, symbol of the United States. Freedom Is Not Free.A simple, emotionally powerful letter at the base of the flagpole. …Most of all, Father, I love you.To one side stands the POW/MIA Empty Chair. And the words: Lest We Forget.Powerful symbols in a small La Mesa park.American eagle and flag mosaic art on rear of the POW/MIA Empty Chair is by the Rainforest Art Project.
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I often drive down Miramar Road past the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. When I do, I usually turn my head to see if any people are outside investigating the dozens of unique military aircraft that are on display. Few people seem to visit.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, located at MCAS Miramar, is open free to the general public. It features all sorts of airplanes and helicopters that have been used by the United State Marine Corps over the decades.
When I first visited the museum last year, I was floored by the extent of its collection. While many of the aircraft might not be restored to pristine condition, they each represent a fascinating era in U. S. military history. Visitors to the museum can also see other equipment that has been used by the Marines, including tanks and artillery pieces.
Most impressively, the museum owns the actual helicopter that was last to leave Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War. That Sea Knight helicopter’s call sign was Lady Ace 09. If you’d like to see photographs of Lady Ace 09, and learn a bit more about that moment in history, click here.
The following photos depict just a fraction of what you’ll discover at the museum.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum seems to be a little known gem in San Diego. Those who are interested in 20th century history, aviation or the United States Marine Corps should definitely swing on by!
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, open free to the public, is located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.Inside the museum, a variety of exhibits detail different aircraft that have been used by the United States Marine Corps.Dozens of historical Marine aircraft can be viewed outdoors at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego.Beechcraft T-34B Mentor.General Motors FM-2 Wildcat.Northrup F-5E Tiger II.Grumman F9F-2 Panther.Hawker-Siddeley AV-8A(C) Harrier.Bell AH-1J SeaCobra.Sikorsky HUS-1 (UH-34D) Seahorse.Bell 214ST.McDonnell Douglas A-4M Skyhawk II.Visitors to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum learn about the history of one airplane in a very large and fascinating collection.
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This particular Boeing Vertol CH-46D(E) Sea Knight military helicopter in San Diego is an object of great historical importance.
Many regard the evacuation of the United States Ambassador from Saigon as the end of the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1975, as ordered by President Gerald Ford, Ambassador Graham Martin was airlifted from the rooftop of the American Embassy. He had stepped aboard a Boeing Vertol CH-46D(E) Sea Knight military helicopter, call sign Lady Ace 09, flown by pilot Captain Gerry Berry.
While the Ambassador’s evacuation from the Embassy has provided a visual symbol of America’s departure from South Vietnam, the reality was a bit more chaotic. When Lady Ace 09 transmitted “Tiger is out,” indicating the Ambassador had been retrieved, other helicopter crews involved in the evacuation mistakenly thought the mission was completed. But Marine Security Guards on the Embassy’s rooftop would be lifted to safety hours later. Shortly thereafter, Communist forces would raise the Viet Cong flag over Saigon’s Presidential Palace.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. In addition to Lady Ace 09, over two dozen aircraft that have been flown by the United States Marines are on display. Admission is free.
The museum wants to expand. You can help! Learn more here.
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum in San Diego contains many aircraft that have been used during the history of the United States Marine Corps.At the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at MCAS Miramar, the public can see the actual helicopter that evacuated the U.S. Ambassador from Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War.Operation Frequent Wind, 29-30 April 1975, call sign Lady Ace 09. This Sea Knight helicopter evacuated Ambassador Graham Martin from the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, South Vietnam. (Click photo to expand.)A look at the rear of the historic helicopter that transported U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin to the safety of USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) standing by in the South China Sea.The fuselage of Sea Knight troop transport helicopter, call sign Lady Ace 09.At 04:58 Ambassador Martin boarded Lady Ace 09 on the rooftop of the American Embassy in Saigon. The message “Tiger is out” was transmitted, signaling the departure of the U.S. Ambassador.The nose of Lady Ace 09, which today is on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.Inside the the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, visitors can see one section devoted to USMC aviators and aircraft that participated in the Vietnam War.One museum display case includes a map of Laos, Cambodia, and North and South Vietnam during the war.Photos of Marine helicopter operations during the Vietnam War.Boeing Vertol CH-46D(E) Sea Knight, call sign Lady Ace 09, the helicopter whose historic flight is often regarded as the conclusion of the Vietnam War.
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Vietnamese Community of San Diego wreath stands by Peace Memorial.
Today I attended two Memorial Day ceremonies.
First, in the morning, I walked up to Balboa Park. Â There I joined others in remembering those who’d lost their lives in a terrible war. An emotional ceremony was held at the San Diego Vietnam Peace Memorial, which is located right next to The Veterans Museum. Special attention was given during this event to those who died serving their country during the Vietnam War.
Please forgive me. When I arrived I was in a quiet mood. I stood off to the side mostly, took no notes, snapped a photo now and then. I mostly just absorbed the speeches, the music, the flowers, so many names on bronze plaques and proud salutes by veterans in attendance. I felt a bit shy and didn’t grab a program. I regret that now. I forget the names of the speakers, and the lady who sang so beautifully.
Members of Vietnam Veterans of America, 472, were present. Before the morning program commenced, they had read names of the fallen–the Calling of the Names.
Many from the local Vietnamese community also attended. Some among them had fought in the war.
I remember that the keynote speech was very clear and very powerful. It was about service, and courage, and liberty, and friendship, and pain, and sacrifice, and history. It acknowledged the horror of war. Those who fought would rather have been at home in peace. All gave some; some gave all.
Those whose names are eternally engraved on the Peace Memorial have earned the gratitude of many.
Here are a few photos.
Flags are readied.Salutes.A dignified program commences. The Vietnam War is remembered, and those who fell during the conflict are honored.Speeches recall the harsh realities of war, and the democratic ideals many fought to defend.All quietly listen, some remember.Joyful, triumphant singing. America the Beautiful.Love for country. Young and old salute.A folded flag above the plaque marking the Vietnam Veterans Peace Memorial in Balboa Park.Names of San Diegans who were killed or designated missing in action during the Vietnam War fill half a dozen bronze plaques.Flags, flowers and photos. A loved family member.On March 7, 1971, at the age of 21, David Jesus Naranjo perished in the service of our country in South Vietnam, Quang Nam.
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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!
