Officials are continuing to investigate the senseless vandalism perpetrated on the Mt. Soledad Open Space Preserve surrounding the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial on March 14-15.
Sometime between late Friday and early morning that Saturday, a vehicle entered the park and recklessly damaged the northwest lawn, leaving deep tire ruts and destroying large sections of sod.
Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, the memorial’s stewards, was alerted to the damage by one of its volunteer docents on Saturday morning. The association was deeply saddened by this blatant disrespect.
“This vandalism not only desecrates a beautiful public space but also dishonors the memory of the veterans honored at the memorial,” said Neil O’Connell, executive director of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association. “This is a place of peace and reflection for our community, and we are determined to restore it.”
The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association is working closely with the San Diego Police Department, City Parks and Recreation, and San Diego County Crime Stoppers to investigate this vandalism incident. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to come forward by calling 888-580–8477 or using this link: https://p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=409#.Your assistance can help bring those responsible to justice and ensure the continued protection of this landmark.
In the aftermath of this incident, San Diego Community Newspaper Group posed these questions about the memorial site and its security to Mt. Soledad Memorial Association spokesperson Trevor Wessman-Lavelle:
SDCNG: What kind of security is there at the memorial to protect it?
MSMA: In addition to the steel bar gate at the park entrance at La Jolla Scenic Drive South, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association operates two high-resolution, closed-circuit security cameras on the memorial property. The two cameras are at the northwest and southeast ends, and face inward toward the memorial. The memorial also employs over 70 volunteer docents who are onsite every day of the year between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
SDCNG: Is there anything more that can be done to prevent vandalism like this from happening?
MSMA: In both the environment and context of an open space preserve, community vigilance and increased awareness of the missions of both the park and the memorial are key to preventing this from happening again. While the memorial exists to honor those who’ve served and sacrificed for their country in the name of freedom, the memorial and the park offer a place of pristine natural beauty for solemn reflection, quiet respite, and inspiration. The more who know of, and are impacted by this place, the greater the reach of recognition and respect for those missions, and the less likely that acts of vandalism like this will occur.
SDCNG: The memorial has grown, not only physically in terms of its plaques, but also in terms of its prominence. Tell us about that.
MSMA: The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial has experienced a surge of momentum over the past several years, due in large part to a focus on community involvement, marketing and communications, and operational effectiveness. The installation of former Mt. Soledad Memorial Association board of trustees president Neil O’Connell to the position of executive director was the catalyst to this shift. We welcomed nearly 300,000 visitors to the memorial in 2024, launched our very own education program, and saw record attendance at the more than 80 events held at the memorial in 2024, including our Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Women’s History Tribute and Brunch events.
SDCNG: Tell us about plans for the memorial. Ten years from now, will anything much be different about it?
MSMA: We’re very excited for the future of the memorial. We’re continuing to invest in our newly launched education program, and are exploring new opportunities such as exclusive, focused tours and private events. An expanded experience beyond the current footprint, both physical and digital, has always been part of the vision and strategic planning for the memorial. As we near the 7,000 plaque mark lining the 16 walls surrounding the center of the memorial, we’re exploring innovative, tech-driven opportunities to enhance the memorial experience through digital storytelling and geolocation-based content surrounding San Diego’s rich military history from the vantage of the iconic coastal peak.
SDCNG: Tell us about the arrangement between the memorial association and the City in terms of how the memorial is operated.
MSMA: Mt. Soledad Memorial Association has a strong relationship with the City. Since the park’s inception and the founding of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association in 1952, we have a proud history of partnering with City Parks and Recreation Department, San Diego Police Department and other City entities, to collectively ensure the maintenance and security of all park and memorial grounds, and the safety of all visitors.
