Miramar National Cemetery – Veteran Burial

Miramar National Cemetery – Historical Perspective

The National Cemetery is located on the historic estate of newspaper publisher Edward W. Scripps. In 1891, Scripps began erecting an Italianate mansion on the property named for and modeled after Miramare Castle in Italy. The moniker eventually became associated with the surrounding mesa; loosely translated, Miramare means “sea view.” The 49-room mansion was completed in 1898 and was the home of the Scripps family until 1969, when a development company purchased the property, and the villa was demolished a few years later.

Camp Kearny was established near Scripps Ranch in January 1917 as the United States prepared to enter World War I. During the war, Camp Kearny served as an Army training and mobilization center that could accommodate 32,000 men. After the Armistice, base operations were scaled back. However, the government retained the site as a military and civilian airstrip. In early 1927, aviator Charles Lindbergh flew the Spirit of St. Louis on test flights from the base before his famous trans-Atlantic flight.

In the 1930s, the Department of the Navy and the Marine Corps established operations at Camp Kearny. Camp Kearny was the headquarters for multiple air squadron groups during World War II. The installation served as Naval Air Station Miramar until 1997, when it transitioned into a Marine Corps Aviation unit and was renamed Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar. In 2008, MCAS Miramar leased land in perpetuity to the National Cemetery Administration to develop Miramar National Cemetery. Miramar National Cemetery was dedicated in January 2010, and the first burial occurred on November 22.

Current Day – Miramar Military Cemetery

Upon entering Miramar National Cemetery, you will notice 50 flags flying along the “Avenue of Flags,” Miramar is the only national cemetery with such a display. These flags have been flying 365 days a year since January 2012

The Liberation Memorial at Miramar

Miramar – Safeguarding Wildlife

Military warriors and their qualified family members are laid to rest at the San Diego, California-based Miramar National Cemetery, which also works to safeguard the area’s wildlife. Through specialized actions, the cemetery is dedicated to protecting different animal species and their habitats. The grounds of the cemetery contain a number of protected animals. These may consist of:

Birds: The Miramar National Cemetery is home to various resident and migratory bird species. Their habitat, food supply, and nesting places are all protected. To meet their demands, the cemetery might also put up bird feeders and keep up water sources.

Small mammals: Squirrels, rabbits, and other ground-dwelling animals are included in the cemetery’s attempts to safeguard wildlife. They are protected in their natural habitats, and measures are done to reduce disturbances that can interfere with their way of life.

Reptiles and amphibians: A variety of reptiles and amphibians may find refuge in the cemetery’s ecology. Frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, and lizards are a few examples. Their natural habitats, which include wetlands and forested areas, are preserved and safeguarded.

Insects and pollinators are essential for maintaining a healthy ecology, and Miramar National Cemetery is aware of this. By using native flowering plants instead of toxic pesticides, it is possible to foster a suitable environment for bees, butterflies, and other helpful insects.

Miramar – Procedures Taken to Preserve Wildlife

Habitat preservation: Animals can survive because the cemetery’s natural ecosystems are protected and kept in good condition. This calls for maintaining vegetation, safeguarding nesting places, and balancing wide-open areas and dense vegetation.

Limited human disturbance: The cemetery limits activities that would disturb the wildlife, such as restricting construction or landscaping work during vulnerable times and maintaining designated wildlife areas with restricted human access.

Ecology management: The cemetery may put measures in place that support a healthy ecology, such as invasive species eradication, controlled burns to regulate vegetation, and routine observation of wildlife populations and their habitats.

Education and awareness: Miramar National Cemetery might instruct visitors on the value of protecting wildlife and acting responsibly. Signage and educational materials may be made available to inform visitors about the endangered species and promote respectful interaction with the wildlife.

The Miramar National Cemetery works to safeguard and promote a variety of animal species by taking these actions. The veterans and the wildlife in the cemetery may live in harmony by protecting their habitats and encouraging cohabitation.

Miramar Veteran Cemetery – Conclusion

Miramar National Cemetery, also known as Miramar Military Cemetery,  symbolizes gratitude and remembrance, giving a final resting place for those who served our country. With its rich history, serene landscapes, and dedication to preserving veterans’ legacies, this sacred ground is a place of solace, thought, and eternal honor. Let us cherish and value Miramar National Cemetery as a testament to the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes.

Its tranquil fields, distinguished services, and various commemorative events make it a place of great reverence. As we pay our respects and share the stories of those put to rest, we ensure their legacies live on and inspire future generations.

I encourage you to drive to Miramar and discover this beautiful cemetery in green canyons. Who knows, perhaps the aviators from MCAS Miramar will fly over and tip their wings as they often do to honor their comrades in arms.

Miramar is San Diego’s newest cemetery, and Old town Cemetery is San Diego’s oldest.