From the Peninsula Alliance
Ocean Beach draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, including many military families from all over San Diego. To honor those who have served our country throughout the years, a group of community organizations that include the nonprofit Ocean Beach Community Development Corp. (OBCDC), the Ocean Beach Town Council, OB Mainstreet Association, OB Planning Board, OB Woman’s Club, and The Peninsula Alliance have set out to build a brand-new Veterans Plaza that will
last as a place of respect and reverence for our military veterans.
The current Veteran’s Memorial Plaza at the foot of Newport Avenue and Abbott Street in Ocean Beach is in great disrepair. The David Martin Veteran’s Memorial Fund will help fulfill Dave’s vision to create a beautiful, lasting memorial that will honor our veterans for many years to come.
Our community is deeply saddened by the loss of David Martin. Dave was an active and vibrant participant in and contributor to Ocean Beach’s many civic organizations. His presence has been greatly missed. This project was spearheaded by David Martin, a pillar in the Ocean Beach community and a proud Marine who gave of himself for the betterment of all. Dave passed away from cancer in 2021 before the project could be realized.
The Ocean Beach Veterans Plaza is not only a testament to our valued veterans but a part of his legacy. We invite you to be a part of this vision to help create a beautiful seaside plaza dedicated to the spirit of courage, honor, strength, and sacrifice.
The new monument will commemorate the military service of ALL United States veterans and be an indelible walkway of reflection. The plaza hardscape will be treated with a range of blue tones which simulate the sinuous movement of the Pacific Ocean and its waves cresting onto the beach. The columns will be home to the names of military veterans. Three flag poles are also included in the memorial. The poles are intentionally aligned with the angle of the Ocean Beach Pier as it reaches into the ocean in the distance. You can see the current plans here .
Our current fundraising effort includes a Burlesque and Variety Show (USO style) with food included, auction items, drinks for purchase and entertainment in the form of a vaudeville show will be provided by Demure Production. We would like to invite the public to purchase tickets for this exciting community benefit event to be held November 19 here . https://www.simpletix.com/e/for-the-vets-a-vaudeville-tribute-tickets-113081
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Post Office Box 60534 | San Diego, California 92166 | (619) 788-4208
The Peninsula Alliance is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation (Tax ID # 83-1000688)
The Peninsula Alliance Mission: To support and improve the quality of life through collaboration with community organizations on projects and events in the San Diego Peninsula and the surrounding region.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sorry for the loss to the family of David. I too served as a Marine. I remember when the VFW Vietnam Veterans created the memorial at the foot of Newport Ave and the lodge even had a Medal of Honor awardee as a VFW post member. I also remember when the Ocean Beach community didn’t come to the aid of veterans when the VFW Post on Newport lost its long held lease. A new location was located in OB but the locals didn’t want them. Wrong kind of people. Drinking, smoking, too close to a school even though a liquor store was across the street. Not enough parking. You know all the NIMBYS excuses.
This brings me to the Veterans Park Memorial. I am against using this public space at the foot of Newport Ave for a veterans memorial. San Diego has a plethora of military memorials. The entire bay front is salute to military. The US Navy dominates and just 5 minutes away from OB is Rosecrans National Cemetery. Another memorial is unnecessary. More appropriately public space in OB is so limited I would like to see this little space returned to the citizens to be maintained as a “Memorial to the Beach.” I’ve asked around and a lotta folks tell me they agree that it would be nice to return the land as public space. As a veteran I don’t need a memorial always reminding me of the realities of freedom and I don’t believe the citizens of OB do either. Again condolences to the Martin family. I’m sure for them David will be missed.
Richard
Richard, as a veteran myself. I completely agree.
Yes, I do thank you for your service. My son is also a veteran. As the mother of a veteran, I have always felt it was so disrespectful for all the people to be walking all over those tiles next to the rock. I’d much rather see them up on a wall where they rightfully belong.
Hello Richard and Val,
Thank you for your service. The Veterans Plaza is a public space and will continue to be. Our intent is to beautify the area for the benefit of our community, while offering a portion of the space to honor Veterans.
Thank you Richard and Val. I agree with you completely, coming from veterans, the opinions mean a lot.