Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1/26/2016

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is located on both sides of the road that leads to the Cabrillo National Monument on Loma Point 10 miles west of San Diego. It is a strikingly beautiful setting for the final resting place for members of our armed forces. 

One side overlooks the San Diego Bay and the other the Pacific Ocean. 

The earliest plots are those of soldiers who died at the Battle of San Pasqual in 1846 shortly after the U.S. declared war on Mexico. Their bodies were re-interred here in 1922. It became a National Cemetery in 1934. Many of the white monuments are for those from the WWI and WWII eras. There are both traditional grave sites and columbarium niches for those who are cremated. 

Today the cemetery is closed to new interments. Only interments for veterans or eligible family members in an existing grave site occur today. 

There are various monuments located throughout the cemetery to commemorate naval ship casualties, specific battles, etc. Twenty-three Medal of Honor winners are buried here and other noted military personnel that made significant contributions to our nation. The large monument below has the plaque with the Gettysburg Address. 

Below are the administrative offices of the cemetery. 

There are roads through the cemetery on both sides, or you may chose to stroll through the beautiful grounds. It is hallowed ground that makes me very thankful for those who served and so very sad for those who died doing so.

Website: www.cem.va.gov