On Memorial Day, San Diegans will head up to Mt. Soledad for one of the city's most closely watched remembrance ceremonies, where officials will dedicate a plaque to Cpl. Patrick "Bob" Gallagher. The Irish-born Marine and Navy Cross recipient will be honored at an 11 AM service, with his family making the trip from Ireland for the dedication. The San Diego Padres are also expected to salute Gallagher during pregame ceremonies at Petco Park, while local transit agencies adjust service for the holiday.
Mt. Soledad to dedicate plaque for Cpl. Patrick 'Bob' Gallagher
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony at 11 AM, culminating in a plaque dedication to Cpl. Patrick "Bob" Gallagher, according to the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. Hospital Corpsman Frank Morelli, who served alongside Gallagher in Vietnam, is expected to join members of the Gallagher family traveling from Ireland, NBC 7 San Diego reported.
The story behind the honor
Gallagher, a County Mayo native who later settled on Long Island, earned the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism after jumping on an enemy grenade to protect fellow Marines in 1966, and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Patrick Gallagher now carries his name, according to the U.S. Navy. Neil O'Connell, director of the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, said Gallagher's story embodies the 'American Story' of service, as NBC 7 San Diego reported. Gallagher was killed in action just days before his tour was set to end.
Padres, transit and what to know
The San Diego Padres plan to salute Gallagher during pregame ceremonies at Petco Park, with an Irish performer scheduled to sing and the colors presented by Gallagher's Camp Pendleton-based 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, according to the Irish Echo. The Metropolitan Transit System will run a reduced Sunday and holiday schedule on Monday while adding extra Trolley trips around game times; MTS also warns of limited minibus and MTS Access service amid an ongoing operator work stoppage, per a Metropolitan Transit System advisory.
Plan ahead
Organizers are asking attendees to arrive by 10:30 AM for the 11 AM start, with free parking available and shuttle service from nearby lots, according to Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. For those heading to the Padres game, Petco Park is at 100 Park Boulevard in downtown San Diego, so consider using the boosted MTS service to sidestep heavy traffic and steep game-day parking rates.
