Letter from the executive director

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

Honor. Above All.

As we reflect on the past year at Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, I am filled with deep gratitude—for your support, your belief in our mission, and your commitment to honoring those who have served our nation. Because of supporters like you, 2025 has been a year of meaningful impact.

This year alone, we welcomed more than 300,000 visitors to the Memorial—free of charge. Families, veterans, students, and travelers from across the country and around the world walked among nearly 7,000 plaques, representing the stories of more than 10,000 veterans. Each plaque stands as a permanent tribute—a legacy preserved because of your generosity.

Together, we hosted over 100 ceremonies and events, honoring service members past and present, while creating powerful moments of remembrance for our community. Our growing educational programs reached hundreds of students, giving young people the opportunity to connect directly with the stories of sacrifice, service, and freedom that define our nation.

And when our community faced challenges this year, you showed up. From raising critical funds to support military families in crisis to restoring the Memorial after acts of vandalism, your response was immediate and inspiring. It is a powerful reminder that this is not just a memorial—it is a living community united by purpose.

As we look ahead, 2026 carries special significance as we approach America’s 250th anniversary. This milestone is more than a celebration—it is a moment to reflect on the cost of freedom and the responsibility we share to preserve its story.

At Mt. Soledad, we see this as a call to action.

We are committed to expanding our educational reach, ensuring that the next generation not only learns about our nation’s history—but experiences it. We are investing in programs that bring students face-to-face with the stories of those who served, instilling a deeper understanding of patriotism, sacrifice, and civic responsibility.

We are also focused on strengthening our role as a national destination for remembrance—enhancing the Memorial, growing our community partnerships, and ensuring that every visitor leaves with a renewed appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy today.

None of this happens without you.

As a 100% privately funded memorial, every plaque, every program, and every moment of impact is made possible through your support. You are not simply donors—you are stewards of legacy, guardians of memory, and partners in a mission that will endure for generations to come.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for honoring those who served. And thank you for helping ensure that their stories continue to inspire the future of our nation.

With gratitude,

Neil O’Connell

Executive Director
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

Honor a Hero.

Support the Memorial.

Your Gift Helps Preserve the Legacy of Service

The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is funded by supporters like you. Every donation helps maintain the grounds, host public ceremonies, and preserve the stories of over 6,000 service members honored here. Whether you’re sponsoring a plaque, contributing to ongoing maintenance, or giving in memory of a loved one—your support makes this tribute possible.