Atop this iconic peak stands the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Its imposing presence commands attention. The memorial isn’t just a monument. It’s a living testament to service. It honors both living and deceased veterans. This makes it unique among memorials.
The Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial started humbly. In 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet anchored off San Diego. Mount Soledad offered the only view of the entire fleet. Later in 1927 Charles Lindbergh and his wife took gliding lessons here. Anne Lindbergh became the first woman to earn a First-Class Pilot’s License in the US. During World War II Mount Soledad served as an observation point. It was also a radio transmission tower. Easter services were broadcast from here connecting troops at home and abroad.
Three crosses have been erected on this site. The first was a simple redwood structure in 1913. Vandals destroyed it ten years later. A stucco cross replaced it in 1923 lasting 29 years. A windstorm destroyed that one in 1952. The current cross was erected in 1954. It initially served as a centerpiece for a memorial honoring those who died in World War I World War II and the Korean Conflict. The Mount Soledad Memorial Association was formed around the same time. The organization’s goal was to honor all service members. Easter Sunday services became an annual tradition.
The cross initially named the “Mount Soledad Easter Cross” was shortened in the 1980s due to religious concerns. These concerns led to a landmark legal battle lasting from 1989 to 2015. A lawsuit challenged the constitutionality of the cross. The City of San Diego even tried selling the cross several times. Court rulings and voters continually blocked these attempts.
In the 1990s the Mount Soledad Memorial Association began a new project. The goal was to create a more encompassing memorial. James Alcorn designed the current memorial. It features personalized black granite plaques. The plaques display photos and information about each veteran. The design encourages visitors to walk and reflect on individual contributions. Alcorn’s final design includes six walls radiating from a central pedestal. The walls hold thousands of plaques. Spaces between walls offer beautiful views for contemplation.
Later the memorial expanded adding five more walls and over 2400 additional plaques. A central grass area was also added. It’s used for Veterans Honor Ceremonies weddings and other events. Today Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial continues its mission. It tells the stories of service members reminding us of their sacrifices. The memorial is open daily. It’s free and offers breathtaking views. Come visit and remember those who served.