Veterans Day and military milestones marked at Mt. Soledad
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Veterans, military leaders and community members gathered on Mount Soledad on Saturday to honor America’s service members ahead of Veterans Day and to celebrate 250 years of service by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
The ceremony at the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial marked a dual milestone — the nation’s upcoming Veterans Day and the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps, both of which have deep historical ties to San Diego dating back to 1846.
“This is the only memorial in the United States of America like this,” said Neil O’Connell, executive director of the Mount Soledad Memorial Association. “It’s 71 years old.”
Retired Brig. Gen. Paul Lebidine of the U.S. Marine Corps reflected on that history, recalling how Marines raised the American flag during the Mexican-American War in what is now Old Town San Diego, and later fought alongside the U.S. Army at the Battle of San Pasqual, near Escondido and Ramona.
The event, titled “Honoring a Legacy: 250 Years at Sea, on Land and in the Air,” recognized the courage and sacrifice of service members across generations — including 104-year-old U.S. Army veteran Max Gurney, who served in an intelligence unit during World War II.
“The main purpose of our presence was to capture what the enemy was saying, thinking ahead of them and tell all the generals — Patton in particular,” Gurney said.
Other veterans, like retired U.S. Coast Guard member Holly Shaffner, spoke about the importance of recognizing those whose stories often go untold.
“They give so much service, so much sacrifice,” Shaffner said. “That’s why you need to celebrate our veterans for what they’ve done for our nation and for keeping us free.”
During the ceremony, two new plaques were unveiled at the memorial — one honoring U.S. Navy Cmdr. Theodore Gordon Ellyson and another for Marine Corps Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, the namesake of Camp Pendleton.
Retired Vice Adm. Charles Martoglio said the additions serve as a lasting tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
“The contribution of those military men and women who gave their lives — for America, for freedom, and for you — should never be forgotten,” Martoglio said.
