On Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifices and courage of our fallen U.S. military service members. In San Diego, with our strong ties to the military community, there are several ways to pay your respects at special ceremonies around town.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
9 a.m., Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
San Diego’s Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Cabrillo Memorial Drive will host a Memorial Day ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. The cemetery – home to more than 100,000 graves – is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is a registered California Historical Landmark.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Miramar National Cemetery
1 p.m., Miramar National Cemetery
San Diego’s Miramar National Cemetery on Nobel Drive will host a Memorial Day ceremony to pay tribute to our fallen military service members at 1 p.m. The federal military cemetery – located on the northwest corner of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar – is home to nearly 7,000 graves and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Mt. Soledad
Each year, the tranquil peak of Mt. Soledad, where a towering memorial cross honors veterans from the Revolutionary War to current wars, becomes a gathering place for those wishing to pay their respects to the fallen. At 2 p.m., a special ceremony will be held for those heroes. During the service, a special plaque will be presented to honor Doris "Dorie" Miller, the first African American Navy Cross recipient, awarded for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor. People visiting the La Jolla memorial can park at Mt. Soledad Presbyterian Church or French American School (6550 and 6551 Soledad Mountain Rd.) and take a shuttle to the mountain peak.
Legacy Week at USS Midway: National Moment of Remembrance
3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., USS Midway Museum Flight Deck
The USS Midway Museum will remember our country’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day by partaking in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on the flight deck. Following the half-hour ceremony, there will be a live performance of Echo Taps. The museum is currently celebrating Legacy Week and, on Memorial Day, two groups will perform live: instrumentalists with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and the Bonita Vista Music Machine show choir (12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m.). General admission tickets to the USS Midway Museum (purchased online ahead of time) costs $22 for adults, $9 for retired military, and $9 for kids ages 6 to 12. Kids age 5 and under get in free.
