Mt. Soledad Memorial Day ceremony honors Marines from the Darkhorse unit killed in Afghanistan

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — High atop Mount Soledad in La Jolla stands a veterans memorial like no other.

More than 6,000 veterans’ plaques line the 11 curved walls, telling the story of immense loss and love for our country.

“Today we honor all service members and remember those who have died before us,” said Neil O’Connell, executive director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial.

The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial honors the U.S. Marines killed in the Battle of Sangin in Helmand Province, Afghanistan during the fall and winter of 2010 and 2011.

The Marines were assigned to a unit at Camp Pendleton – the Third Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, known as “Darkhorse.” Their deployment to Afghanistan was the deadliest of the war – more than 200 Marines were wounded and 25 killed. It was the highest casualty rate of any unit during the ten-year war.

“By placing these plaques, our educators learn more about these individuals and can tell their stories. In this way, we preserve the legacy of our veterans,” O’Connell said.

New plaques honoring the Marines will be added to the memorial.

“We would love for the public to embrace this day and understand that we are asking you to give 90 minutes of your time on this day, to pause and reflect,” O’Connell added.

If you would like to visit the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, it is open until 10 p.m. on Memorial Day at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South.