Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial

In the early 1950s, our honoree LtCol Evelyn Jean Wright trained at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in San Diego, then among Southern California's premier nursing institutions. The Korean War created urgent demand for military nurses, and the newly established U.S. Air Force actively recruited from prestigious programs like Mercy. For women like LtCol Wright, the Air Force offered extraordinary opportunities: officer status, specialized training, international assignments, and leadership roles at a time when women's professional options were limited. Wright's journey from Mercy to becoming a pioneering USAF flight nurse showcases how civilian nursing education created vital career pathways for women in military service. ??? TIME IS LIMITED! Join us March 20th at our Women's History Tribute and Brunch as we honor LtCol Wright and celebrate women's contributions to the United States Air Force. Tickets selling quickly - available only until March 13th! ?? Purchase tickets or Sponsor a table: https://bit.ly/4bqcxWH #WomensHistoryMonth #USAirForce #MilitaryWomen #SanDiegoEvents #VeteranRecognition #MilitaryHistory #WomenInLeadership #MercyHospital #MilitaryNurses

?? ANNOUNCEMENT: Join us for our 4th Annual Women's History Tribute and Brunch honoring women in military service, past and present! This March, we're celebrating the extraordinary contributions of women in the United States Air Force during Women's History Month. Connect with community leaders, hear inspiring stories, and pay tribute to these remarkable service women. ?? Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025 ?? Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM ?? Location: Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial ??? Tickets available through March 13th https://lnkd.in/diBf7eea This event features: - Emcee: Amy Forsythe, USMC & USN Veteran, Mt. Soledad Memorial Association Trustee - Keynote Speaker: Amanda Huffman, USAF Veteran, Author of "A Girl's Guide to Military Service" - Honoree: Evelyn Wright, LtCol, USAF Ret, Korea and Vietnam Veteran Flight Nurse Don't miss this opportunity to network with military and civilian leaders while recognizing the invaluable service of women in our Air Force. Tickets are available until March 13th, purchase here: https://lnkd.in/diBf7eea #WomensHistoryMonth #USAF #WomenInMilitary #ProfessionalNetworking #HonorandTribute #VeteranLeadership

As we close out Black History Month, we honor a legacy of service: Specialist Leon Hightower Jr. (U.S. Army, Southwest Asia) and Specialist 5 Leon Hightower Sr. (U.S. Army, Vietnam) represent two generations of military dedication to our country. These local heroes exemplify the best of our community. Beyond his military service, Hightower Jr. is the author of 'The I AM Book, A-Z,' an inspirational children's book aimed at building self-esteem and encouraging young readers to recognize their inherent value and potential. His mission extends from battlefield to bookshelf, empowering the next generation to believe in themselves regardless of their circumstances. #VeteranPride #MilitaryFamily #GenerationsOfService #USArmy #VeteranAuthor #ChildrensLiterature #LocalHeroes #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence

In our ongoing mission to honor those who served, we're announcing an adjustment to our plaque pricing. Behind each memorial stands Roger Borst, our dedicated engraver who transforms premium granite into lasting tributes through meticulous craftsmanship. Every name etched represents a story of courage that deserves to be preserved with dignity for generations to come. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards while being mindful of what these memorials mean to families and our community. Thank you for your continued support as we preserve the legacies of those who sacrificed for our nation. To learn more about plaque pricing and how to order, click here: https://lnkd.in/gUcrYDXY #HonorOurHeroes #LegacyOfCourage #SupportOurVeterans?

February 7th, 2025, marked one year since the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 361 "Flying Tigers" lost five exceptional Marines in the tragic crash of CH-53E Super Stallion "Tiger 43." That same day, a plaque dedication ceremony was held at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial to honor Lance Cpl. Donovan Davis, Sgt. Alec Langen, Capt. Benjamin Moulton, Capt. Jack Casey, and Capt. Miguel Nava. As we gathered to commemorate their service and sacrifice, we recommitted ourselves to upholding the values they lived by: courage, honor, and unwavering dedication to duty. Their legacy continues to inspire their fellow Marines and all who knew them. May we always remember and honor the ultimate sacrifice made by these heroic Americans. #USMC #FlyingTigers #MarineCorps #HMH361 #NeverForgotten #FallenHeroes #Remembrance #MilitaryHonors #ServiceAndSacrifice #SemperFi

Today, we had the privilege of hosting a profound Veteran Honor Ceremony & Plaque Dedication for GySgt John Basilone, USMC – the only enlisted Marine of WWII to receive both the Medal of Honor and Navy Cross. The ceremony featured moving performances by Marine Band San Diego under SSgt Martin Palacios and Italian tenor Rosario Monetti. Colonel Sean P. Dynan, Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division, delivered a powerful keynote address honoring Basilone's legacy of extraordinary courage at Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima. It was especially meaningful to have Diane Hawkins, President of the Sgt John Basilone Foundation and John's niece, share personal reflections about her uncle's enduring impact. Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters: David Spinelli, Plaque Donor & Executive Mentor at The Honor Foundation BGen Michael I. Neil, USMC (Ret) First Marine Division First Marine Division Association The Honor Foundation MCRD Museum Foundation Sgt. John Basilone Foundation Kennedy Roofing Amerivet Contracting We're grateful to everyone who attended and helped make this ceremony a fitting tribute to an American hero whose sacrifice continues to inspire generations of service members. #VeteranHonor #MarineCorpsLegacy #JohnBasilone #MilitaryHistory #VeteransMemorial #ServiceAndSacrifice

Honored to welcome Diane Basilone Hawkins to our upcoming plaque ceremony. As niece of Medal of Honor recipient GySgt John Basilone and President of the Sgt John Basilone Foundation, Diane continues her uncle's legacy through her work as an actress, filmmaker, and veterans advocate. Her dedication to PTSD awareness and veterans' causes embodies the spirit we aim to honor. Join us in celebrating her uncle's service and sacrifice. Date: February 19, 2025 Time: 11:00 am Location: Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Open to the public #VeteransSupport #MilitaryHistory #USMC #MarineCorps #JohnBasilone #VeteransAdvocate #MedalOfHonor

?? Proud to see Mt. Soledad's own Mike Reedy honored as Veteran of the Game at Sunday's hockey match! Our local hero received a special recognition during the game. Thank you for your service, Mike, and for representing our community! #VeteransDay #CommunityHeroes #Hockey #SanDiego #VeteranAppreciation

We're honored to announce Col. Sean P. Dynan as keynote speaker for the GySgt John Basilone plaque dedication ceremony this Wednesday, February 19th. Col. Dynan will speak about GySgt Basilone's extraordinary service and the First Marine Division's enduring legacy from Iwo Jima. Join us for this historic ceremony featuring the Marine Band San Diego, Medal of Honor and Navy Cross citation readings, and distinguished guests. Location: Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Time: 11:00 am Open to the public #Veterans #Military #SemperFi #VeteransMemorial #SanDiego?#MedalOfHonor

A Legacy of Military Excellence- The Davis Family Meet the father-son duo who revolutionized military integration and leadership: Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis Sr. broke the Army's highest racial barrier in 1940, becoming its first African American General. His son, Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., commanded the legendary Tuskegee Airmen and became the Air Force's first Black general. Together, their combined service spans: 85+ years of military service Two branches of the Armed Forces Countless broken barriers Generations of inspired leaders Their story reminds us that excellence runs in families, and courage knows no bounds. #MilitaryLegacy #FamilyService #Leadership #BlackExcellence #MilitaryHistory