Ocean Beach Veteran’s Memorial

The plaque at the Veteran’s Memorial in Ocean Beach reads: «Dedicated to all Veterans Living or Dead who have Served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America and Shared a Portion of their Lives to Preserve the Honor and Integrity of this Great Nation 11 Nov 1995» The plaque is attached to the Veteran’s Memorial rock and dedicated circles with names and messages gently swirl around as if clouds around the perimeter at the foot of the Memorial.
Set along the Ocean Beach seawall and a gathering spot for people of all kinds-​as is commonly found in Ocean Beach, The Veteran’s Memorial shows that the great counterculture of this bohemian enclave and People’s Republic of Ocean Beach is not above showing some street love to the armed forces of our nation. With the sound of waves caressing the shoreline behind it, this location is perfect for the Vet Memorial. I have walked and ridden past it many a time and always am jolted into an awareness of what the bold rock memorial means and says. I know veterans come down and pick up trash and sweep around the grounds of the statue. It really is a wonderful testimony to both the veterans it honors and the all-​encompassing toleration of Ocean Beach. Yes, that means even a toleration for the necessary evils of war, fighting, conscription, and still honoring those who have and will continue to sacrifice for our country.
The awesomeness of Ocean Beach is as never-​ending as the strong rock Vet pillar that sits at OB’s endpoint near the mighty Pacific Ocean!