Be Part of History – Memorial Day Ceremony at Mt. Soledad | May 25 • 11AM | Free & Open to All | Click Here for Details
Be Part of History – Now available: 250th Anniversary Veterans Plaques. Order by December 31, 2026 | Order Now
Saturday, November 7, 2026 · 11:00 AM · La Jolla, CA
Saturday, November 7, 2026
11:00 AM · La Jolla, CA
Guardians of the Promise
The 250-Year Unbroken Line
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a promise was made to a nation. Not to a king. Not to a crown. A promise to a cause: a Constitution, a people, an idea worth protecting. For two and a half centuries, ordinary men and women have kept that promise. This Veterans Day, we honor them all.
The Story Behind the Ceremony
Nearly 10,000 Guardians
822 Feet Above San Diego
At Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, 822 feet above San Diego, nearly 10,000 guardians look out over the Pacific. Their faces are etched in black granite. Their stories, the full lives they lived before and beyond the uniform, are preserved on our walls.
They came from every corner of this nation and every walk of life. Each one made the same uncommon choice: to step forward, take an oath, and serve a promise that belongs to all of us. A 250-year mosaic of backgrounds, branches, and eras, united by one unbroken line of allegiance to freedom.
This ceremony is more than a commemoration. It is a declaration that the ideals of 1776 endure, and that the men and women who chose to defend them are worth honoring.
Since 1954
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La Jolla — Tripadvisor
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Thousands come to the mountain every year, and they leave changed. Here is what visitors say about the Memorial.
The Friday morning ceremony was incredibly moving. The whole crowd stood in silence. This is exactly how veterans should be honored — personally, visibly, forever.
A breathtaking 360° view and an incredibly moving tribute. The volunteer docents brought every plaque to life. One of the best places in all of San Diego.
Found my grandfather's plaque and was moved to tears. The staff was so kind. This is a place every American should visit. Absolutely free and absolutely worth it.
As a veteran myself, this place means everything. It's more personal than any other memorial I've visited — your face, your story, right there on the wall forever.
Came at sunset — the light on the granite walls is something I'll never forget. The panoramic view alone is worth the trip, but the memorial makes it sacred.
Visiting from Texas and this was the highlight of our whole trip to San Diego. We didn't expect to be so emotionally affected. Stunning view, stunning tribute.
10,000 veterans honored here — from the Revolutionary War to today. No government funding. All privately kept. That story alone made me reach for my wallet to donate.
Join Us on the Mountain
Guardians of the Promise
The 250 Year Unbroken Line
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial cordially invites you to our 2026 Veterans Day Ceremony, high above the Pacific in La Jolla, California. Here is what to expect.
Free admission. Free parking. Open to all.
Ceremony begins at 11:00 AM. Please arrive by 10:30 AM.
Stay and Celebrate
The Guardians' Gathering
Free and family friendly, on the west lawn of Mt. Soledad Memorial Park
When the ceremony ends, the celebration begins. Stay with us on the lawn overlooking the Pacific for an afternoon of live music, refreshments, and community. Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, and bring a blanket. Meet the veterans, docents, and families who keep these stories alive, and hear the stories of courage behind the names on our walls.
Live Music
Full Strength performs live on the lawn, high above the Pacific.
Family Friendly
All ages welcome. Bring the whole family and stay awhile.
Free to All
No tickets needed. Simply stay after the ceremony.
Stories of Valor
Hear the stories of heroism etched into our granite walls.
Because honoring veterans is not only about solemnity. It is about joy, gratitude, and showing up together.
Immediately following the ceremony on Saturday, November 7. Free and open to all.
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event details
Date & Time
Saturday, November 7, 2026
11:00 AM ceremony begins
Arrive by 10:30 AM recommended
Event Location
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr S. La Jolla, CA 92037
Free parking available off site
Parking Lot 1
Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church
6551 Soledad Mountain Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Free shuttle to the Memorial
Parking Lot 2
San Diego French-American School
6550 Soledad Mountain Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Free shuttle to the Memorial
Honor a GUARDIAN
OF YOUR OWN.
In honor of America's 250th anniversary, an exclusive 250th Gold Medallion engraving is available for Honor Plaques through December 31, 2026. Add this permanent mark of distinction to your veteran's plaque.
Or become a 1776 Charter Member and support the mission that keeps these stories alive, for $17.76 a month, in honor of the year it all began.
Add the 250th Gold Medallion to their plaque
A permanent gold engraving in the granite, available on new Honor Plaque orders through December 31, 2026
A plaque on our walls already tells your veteran's story. The 250th Gold Medallion marks that story with this singular moment in American history, a lasting sign that their service is part of how this nation reached its 250th year.
Their Valor started the story. $17.76 keeps it alive.
Become a 1776 Charter Member for $17.76 a month, in honor of the year it all began, and help preserve this memorial for the generations who will come to read their names.
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© 2026. Mt. Soledad National Veteran's Memorial. All Rights Reserved.