May 22, 2009
Mount Soledad: Remembering our Heroes on Memorial Day
Mt. Soledad in La Jolla, CALIF has grown quite a bit in the past several years. This was the site of many battles over the separation of Church and State, all because of a 29 foot Cross that sat atop this hill overlooking La Jolla and surrounding areas.
Mount Soledad was involved in several court battles because of a 29 foot Cross that sat on public land. The cross was rumored to have been erected in the 1950’s as a Korean War Memorial. For 17 years the right of the cross to be on public land atop Mount Soledad was challenged in the courts because of the Constitutional Amendment of Separation of Church and State, and the cross was ordered taken down.
The Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial
Battles over the Cross went on for over 17 years. But on August 14,2006 President Bush signed legislation effectively transferring Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial to the Federal Government.
The Mt. Soledad Association was formed, while the battles were being waged to save the cross. and they erected 6 concrete walls to ultimately hold appx. 3,200 black granite plaques honoring veterans who served our country.
Many well known people are on these walls, and Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial is a popular place anytime of the year, but especially on Memorial and Veterans Day.
Ann Cummings said,
May 24, 2009 @ 3:56 am
A very nice tribute to those who’ve our country – enjoyed the video.
Nannette Saunders said,
May 24, 2009 @ 9:07 am
Kathy I remember the debate on this issue. I am glad Virginia is a commonwealth and we regularly use common law and intention when determining the result of such issues. I was happy of the outcome as that I think one has to consider the intent of the people who erected the memorial. Just my two cents for what it is worth.