(April 2024) This month, Honor Flight San Diego took 90 Korean and Vietnam War U.S. Navy Special Warfare (NSW) Operators on their Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. They also took 55 American Flags that flew over our nation’s heroes at Miramar National Cemetery.

The 55 flags were part of a ceremony during the trip and were paired with a photo of the fallen Operator, and the pencil rubbing of each man’s name from the Vietnam Wall. The flag, photo, and etching were to honor and remember the 55 NSW Operators (SEALs and Boat Crewmen) who were Killed in Action (KIA) …

(November 2023) Five years after the project began, the Woody Williams Foundation, with help from local Gold Star Families, broke ground on the first Gold Star Family Memorial Monument in San Diego County. The location could not be more fitting – Miramar National Cemetery’s Memorial Walkway, a walkway dedicated to the service and sacrifice of our military men and women.

Dave Meyers, Chairman of the San Diego project committee said, “The men and women we honor on these monuments gave their all and asked for nothing in return. Never forget the families and their lifelong sacrifice for the liberty we …

(March 2023) If you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (at any time) from November 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location, then this day is for you – National Vietnam War Veterans Day. 

Every year on March 29, our country gives a long overdue THANK YOU and honors Vietnam veterans, and their families, for their service and sacrifice. Many may ask, “Why March 29th?” This date is significant because it was March 29, 1973, when the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam was disestablished, and the day the last U.S. combat troops departed Vietnam. …

(March 2023) As Honor Flight San Diego (HFSD) began to fly Vietnam Veterans, the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation had the unique opportunity to assist the organization. HFSD took a plane filled with Navy HA(L)-3 Seawolves from the Vietnam War. We were able to help them remember the 44 fallen Seawolves who were killed in action.

The local community and our Board of Directors came out to Miramar National Cemetery to help fold 44 American Flags, so they could go on the Honor Flight and could be part of special presentations on the Honor Flight. These flags were part of …

(February 2023) For the past several years we have had a dilemma – what to do with the 50 flags from the Avenue of Flags when they can no longer be flown. Twice a year, around Memorial Day and Veterans Day, we need to replace all 50 flags as they become wind torn and faded by the sun. 

This past fall, we partnered with a local nonprofit organization, Honor Flight San Diego, to gift 46 of those flags. The organization flies senior veterans on a three-day trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials built for their sacrifice and to …

(January 2023) In the recently published Distinguished Flying Cross Society Winter 2022 Magazine, there is an article detailing the life of USAF Brigadier General Robert “Bob” Cardenas. General Cardenas passed away on his 102nd birthday in March 2022. This article covers his military and post-military life, including being part of the instrumental team who petitioned the VA for Miramar National Cemetery and seeing it through to its inception. Later, General Cardenas was part of our Board of Directors as we raised funding for the major projects at the cemetery. Our current Board of Directors Chairman, U.S. Army Veteran Denny Schoville …

(June 2022) Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 472 recently installed and dedicated a memorial at Miramar National Cemetery that honors the men and women of the Vietnam War. During the sixteen years of combat action, over 2.7 million military men and women served in country, and more than 58,000 personnel were killed, as well as the 300,000 who were wounded. This memorial will remember their service and sacrifice.

From conception in October 2019, it took over two years to design, build, fund, and receive approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs for installation at the cemetery. The memorial is constructed …

 

(June 2022) Did you know that Miramar National Cemetery is the only National Cemetery with an Avenue of Flags? Just inside the entrance to the cemetery, it is hard to miss the 50 American Flags flying proudly day and night. The Avenue of Flags have been standing watch on the hallowed grounds since January 2012 – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Support Foundation is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the flags, poles, lanyards, and lighting. With all the wear and tear sustained from the constant coastal breezes, twice a …

Avenue of Flags: A Decade as Cemetery Focal Point

Fifty silvery steel flagpoles reach into the sky. 

Fifty red, white and blue flags flutter in the breeze. 

In the distance, an immense American flag commands the heights.

(April 15, 2022) The Avenue of Flags has stood sentinel over Miramar National Cemetery for 10 years, since its dedication on 28 January 2012, inspiring all who enter or pass by the cemetery. At night, the lighted display can be seen for miles, even by aircraft approaching the city.

Sponsored by the Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation, the flag display, unique among VA-operated …

General, I Salute You!
Support Foundation Chairman Schoville Bids Brig. Gen. Cardenas Farewell

(March 31, 2022) Beneath a sky heavy with dark clouds that mirrored the solemnity of the occasion, a committal service was held at Miramar National Cemetery for retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas.

Some 275 family members, friends, and veterans were on hand to pay their respects to a man whose 34-year career is unmatched in the nation’s military annals. Bomber pilot in World War II, renowned test pilot, commander of the group that broke the sound barrier, jet fighter pilot in Vietnam, leader of …

Vietnam War Veterans Day Event at Miramar National Cemetery

(March 29, 2022) The Vietnam War officially ended April 30, 1975, but for Charlie Inot, sights, sounds and smells can still trigger memories of that long-ago conflict. As keynote speaker at a Vietnam War Veterans Day Commemoration at Miramar National Cemetery, Inot recalled his experience as a young soldier.

“Fifty-four years ago,” he told an audience of veterans, “I was a young 22-year-old Green Beret sergeant serving in Vietnam. That combat experience is seared forever in my memory. I had many good days in-country and some bad times.

Support Foundation Director…

Bob Cardenas American Hero Fighter Pilot

Cardenas: Federal, State and Veterans Leadership; Honored for Military Service

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan appointed Robert Cardenas the California coordinator for the Southwest Border Economic Action Group. In 1985, California Governor George Deukmejian named him chairman of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Advisory Group.

He also served on the California Council of Criminal Justice, and later as a member of the California Veterans Board, eventually becoming chairman. He served as chairman of the San Diego United Veterans Council, and as a director on the Board of the Veterans Memorial Center & Museum …

Bob Cardenas American Hero Community Leader

Cardenas: Flew Jet Fighters During Korea and Vietnam

During the Korean War, Lieutenant Colonel Cardenas flight-tested new jet fighters and bombers and then was assigned as commander of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing on Okinawa. On his return to the States, he was named chief of the Aircraft and Missiles Program Division at the Pentagon.

In 1962, Colonel Cardenas led a joint Army-Air Force special command into India to evaluate and improve high-altitude resupply drops in the Himalaya Mountains. The techniques the group developed were used to equip troops and prevent a Chinese incursion …

American Hero Fighter Pilot Community Leader

Aviation Legend Brig. Gen. Robert L. Cardenas Dies at 102

Air Force combat leader, bomber and fighter pilot, was key figure in securing federal approval for Miramar National Cemetery

By Bill Heard, Public Information Officer

(March 14, 2022) A legendary figure among the nation’s military aviators, and a leader in the San Diego veterans’ community—retired Air Force Brigadier General Robert L. Cardenas—died on his 102nd birthday, March 10, 2022, while hospitalized at Sharp Memorial Hospital.

Cardenas is survived by his wife of 74 years, Gladys, his sons Michael and Mark, and his daughters Robin, …