SAN DIEGO — Each Memorial Day San Diego residents honor and remember service members who died while serving our country.
The day serves as a chance for San Diegans to honor and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Over the decades, people across San Diego County observe the holiday in a number of ways including with American flags, flowers and placing other mementos on graves at military cemeteries.
1979
For Memorial Day 1979, News 8's Gene Cubbison showcased the various military remembrances around San Diego. Events were held at the Veterans Administration Hospital in La Jolla, the Ballast Point Naval Station, Holy Cross Cemetery, and Greenwood Cemetery.
1986
1996
In 1996, News 8’s Chris Saunders spent Memorial Day at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery for their annual ceremony.
Unofficial start to summer
The history behind the holiday is somber. But for many Americans including San Diego, Memorial Day Weekend serves as a chance to enjoy some sun and usher in the unofficial start to summer.
1978
Crowds hit San Diego beaches and local attractions for Memorial Day weekend in 1978 - just as they do every year. News 8's Shirley Clum reported on the crowds headed south of the border, to the beach for a volleyball tournament.
1984
SeaWorld has always been a popular destination on Memorial Day weekend and 1984 was a big year as the three-day attendance figure was expected to reach over 57,000, matching the record-making 1983 weekend.
1992
On Memorial Day 1992, News 8's Larry Himmel hit the beach in Coronado to see how tourists were faring in San Diego's May Gray weather.
