Mount Soledad
Veterans Memorial

Location: 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, California
Phone: (858) 459-2314 (map) ; More info: Website

Veterans Memorial Highlights

The Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial is located at the top of Mount Soledad in La Jolla, CA., with a panoramic view of La Jolla Shores and North San Diego County coastline. The landmarkl is open to the public. Docents are available to answer questions. The large memorial cross that stands at the center of the memorial is a well-known landmark which can be seen for miles. It has also been at the center of a controversary between those who want to remove it and those who want it to stay.

The Mt. Soledad War Memorial honors those veterans and active military who have served our country during times of conflict and to educate the public about service to our country and the sacrifices that veterans make to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.

Black Granite Plaques on Walls

Six concentric walls that make up memorial walls will ultimately hold 3,200 black granite plaques purchased by donors and engraved with the names and photos of war veterans - today over 2,100 are in place.

Surrounding part of the memorial is a grassy area where you can relax and enjoy the sights.

History

Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial has an important history. It was first used as a Memorial Park in 1914 and by the Lindberghs for glider flights in the 1920's. The memorial became part of the military's early-warning defense system in WWII. The 29-foot Latin cross was erected and dedicated on April 29, 1954 to honor Korean War veterans. On August 14, 2006, it officially became the National Veterans Memorial.