Photo by Susan Heavilin
You know it's going to be some kind of special day when you round a corner in Coronado and run smack into the scene above. Modern day meets American Revolution. And it was one incredibly special day.
On Saturday, January 28th, the California State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (CSSDAR) dedicated a marker in Centennial Park to commemorate The Birthplace of Naval Aviation. The DAR is a nonprofit, nonpolitical volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and securing America's future through better education.
There was magic in the air as current patriots serving in the Navy met with descendents of American Revolution patriots to pay homage to the aviators who made American history. And though the Naval officers wore their medals proudly, it was generally agreed that they were out-“bling”ed by the ladies of the DAR.
Leslie Ann Pfeifer, CCSDAR State Historian, started the program off by welcoming all the guests and Barbara Goble Volker, CSSDAR State Chaplain gave the invocation. CSSSAR Color Guard Commander William Tisch and his Guardsmen led the Presentation of Colors. (SAR stands for Sons of the American Revolution.)
Photo by Susan Heavilin
Presentation of Colors by CSSSAR Color Guard
Six notable members, from the Navy and Coronado City Council, gave opening speeches. I regret that I did not get a photo of RADM John “Mac” McLaughlin, USN Retired from the USS Midway Museum. He was charismatic and gave a lively speech.
Photos by Susan Heavilin
Mr. Christian Esquevin, Director of Library Services, gave a brief yet informative history of Naval Aviation.
Photo by Dick Barck
CSSDAR State Historian Leslie Ann Pfeifer and CSSDAR State Regent Karon Jarrard dedicated the plaque and the CSSSAR shot their muskets over the San Diego Bay. The smell of gunpowder wafted over the crowd, reminisce of what it must have been like in days of yore. I would dare to say that it sent chills through the spine of nearly everyone present.
Photo by Dick Barck
Photo by Susan Heavilin
After the ceremony, speakers gathered around the plaque to finish their conversations. The large stone displaying the plaque was handpicked by State Historian Leslie Ann Pfiefer from the Coronado beach.
Photo by Susan Heavilin, La Jolla DAR Secretary
Members of the La Jolla DAR (l-r): Jan Thoresen; Charlotte Perry, Regent; Linda Phillips, Vice Regent; Barbara Denny, Chaplain
Photo by Susan Heavilin
Then it was on to the Winn Room of the Coronado Public Library for more celebration. Councilmembers Barbara Denny and Mike Woiwode accepted the certification given to Lauren Wasserman, Interim Director of Public Services, for all his help in getting things ready for the ceremony.
Photo by Susan Heavilin
Library Director Chrisian Esquevin was given a certificate for his part in the program. He invited the guests to view the Naval Aviation display in the front hall.
Photo by Susan Heavilin
Then the ceremonial cake—with the plaque image displayed on top—was cut and the guests enjoyed cake and beverages. The guests had come from all over California and there were many introductory conversations. Yes, it was a very special day indeed.
Photo by Susan Heavilin
La Jolla DAR Chaplain Barbara Denny and California State Regent Karon Jarrard take a pause in their conversation to pose for a photo.
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