Your unique opportunity…
Preserve a lasting memory of a veteran or group.
Mt. Soledad Memorial Association (MSMA) is proud to offer a Veteran’s Honor Ceremony for those, living or deceased, veterans or organizations memorialized on a plaque and other special occasions; e.g. reunions.
The ceremony, briefly described: The flag is lowered at the start, allowing for photo opportunities, then raised for the ceremony accompanied by an electronic bugle (if available) or a prepared music “CD”. The MSMA veteran who conducts the ceremony introduces him or herself and tells a brief history of the Memorial followed by telling the story of the honoree which is taken from the plaque and other provided information. Others who wish to speak are afforded the opportunity. At the close of the ceremony, the flag could be lowered and folded if it is to be presented and other special items (flag w/flag case, framed glossy, etc.) could then be presented. The honoree and those helping with the flag are given an American Flag pin as a memento of the ceremony. If a religious representative is present and wishes to speak, the opportunity will be provided when the MSMA ceremony is concluded. Total time for the ceremony is approximately 40 minutes.
The Mt. Soledad Memorial veterans volunteer their personal time to prepare for and perform the ceremony. Therefore, $150 for each ceremony payable to Mt Soledad Memorial Association is charged. You may also purchase the flag used in the ceremony and a flag case (light or dark wood) is also available.
Contact the office to schedule the ceremony which are normally held on Saturday’s from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.. Once scheduled, the Veteran Honor Ceremony will be announced on our web site under “Events”. Should the services of a bagpiper or other special requests for which additional fees are mostly required based on the request be desired, discuss this with the office when calling to schedule the ceremony.
The Association does not provide chairs as they must be rented from a local company. A portable restroom is in the area. The grassy area is city owned and daily usage permit, if required, is available from city at 858-552-1658.
