Sam Spade's San Francisco

Hold on, pilgrim. You have reached an out-dated post. For the 2010 story go to: https://samspadesf.com/2010/05/memorial-day-events-in-san-francisco.html

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Here is the original 2009 post:

Three of the principal Memorial Day events for veterans, military and their families and friends in Northern California will take place in San Francisco. Here are the details:
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1) San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio
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The premier Memorial Day event in San Francisco is the remembrance ceremonies at San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio. Located right on the spot where the Pacific Ocean meets San Francisco Bay at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco National Cemetery is one of the nation's oldest and most beautiful.
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The Presidio is former Headquarters, U. S. Sixth Army. The U.S. Army first established itself on this site in 1849, but the Presidio has been a military post since 1776 when an expedition of Spanish soldiers accompanied Catholic Franciscan friars and some settlers to the area. The friars, under the direction of Father Junipero Serra, chose to live in the Sunny Mission and the settlers drifted down the peninsula, but the soldiers chose the most strategic real estate: the Presidio.
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The annual ceremony at the cemetery honors all the men and women of the United States military from the nation's founding through to the latest casualty today. The ceremony involves civilian and military participants, various veterans organizations, military color guard and band. The branches of service - Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard - are all individually honored. Active units of the Navy, Army Reserve, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and National Guard often participate.
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It's a good mix of people: There are the old World War II vets. They're getting pretty old and fewer in number, but they still come to attention and render a hand salute - and many of them are very highly decorated - genuine American heroes. There are a lot of Vietnam - era vets and a fast growing number of Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan vets and their families. We even have some old WWII Russian Red Army vets who come with chests full of medals worn with great and obvious pride. They were our allies during WWII and they still show up to honor our lost. That's brotherhood and that's professionalism among warriors. They are always welcome.
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Veterans are encouraged (if you so choose) to wear uniforms, partial uniforms or caps to identify your branch of service and unit. Remember: veterans can now salute out of uniform (not hand over heart) at the raising and lowering of the national flag and during the playing of the National Anthem. Read the story here.
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In 1884, San Francisco National Cemetery became the first West Coast cemetery to be part of the national cemetery system. Soldiers were buried here at the post cemetery as early as 1849. Through time, the cemetery expanded from 9 acres to its present 27 acres and contains over 30,000 graves, including those of 35 congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Click here for a list of the 35 Medal of Honor recipients buried at San Francisco National Cemetery.
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Where: San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio on Memorial Day. (map and direction links provided below)
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When: Monday, May 25, 2009
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10 AM: Arrive at the Presidio's Main Post Parade Ground at 10:00 AM. The parade will get underway at 10:30. Participants will march from the Parade Ground to San Francisco National Cemetery.
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11 AM: The memorial service at San Francisco National Cemetery will commence at 11:00 AM. The cemetery occupies some of the most beautiful and spectacular real estate on the planet. The cemetery sits next to Golden Gate Bridge and offers a sweeping panoramic view of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate, the Marin Headlands and the Pacific Ocean.
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Get directions to the Cemetery here.
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Federal and state legislators, local community leaders, representatives of the military, veterans organizations and the families and friends of those we have lost will participate.
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1 PM: The annual Interfaith Peace Service will commence at the Presidio Interfaith Chapel (formerly the Army's Main Post Chapel) near the cemetery. The service is open to everyone who may wish to attend.
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Parking: Parking is available on the Presidio near the Presidio Officers’ Club, 50 Moraga Ave., Main Post area. (Download a .pdf Presidio map here)
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Public Transit: SFMTA (Muni) provides bus transportation to the Presidio. Also read: Public Transit to the Presidio
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Taxi Cabs: Before you jump in a San Francisco taxi, be sure you read this first: San Francisco Taxicab Scams: Read this Warning!
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History of the Presidio: Here is a good source for quick, concise and accurate information about the rich and colorful history of the Presidio of San Francisco provided by the California State Military Museum.
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Learn about the Presidio: The Presidio is under the jurisdiction of the Presidio Trust and the National Park Service. Visit the official Presidio Trust website here. Visit the National Park Service Presidio website here.
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Maps: Download a detailed map of the Presidio in .pdf format or view a map online.
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Helpful links:
Presidio Golf Course and Clubhouse (very nice cafe, affordable menu, hearty cooking, great views)
LucasFilm Digital Arts Center at the Presidio (movie studio on the site of old Letterman Hosipital))
Restaurants at the Presidio
..Pres a Vi restaurant (next to LucasFilm Digital Arts Center)
..Presidio Bowling Center (hot coffee & sandwiches next to the Main Post Parade Ground)
..La Terrasse (by the Main Post Transit Center)
..Presidio Cafe (at the Presidio Golf Course)
..Presidio Social Club (just inside the Lombard Gate)
..Crissy Field Center (coffee, sandwiches - at Crissy Field Center)
..Warming Hut (coffee and sandwiches - at Crissy Field Center)
..Dish (coffee and sandwiches - at the San Francisco Film Center by LucasFilm)
Presidio Trails and Scenic Overlooks
Crissy Field
Golden Gate Bridge
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2) U.S.S. San Francisco (CA-38) Memorial at Land's End
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USS San Francisco (CA-38) was laid down on 9 September 1931 at the Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo, launched on 9 March 1933. San Francisco earned 17 battle stars during World War II. For her participation in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, she was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. For the same action, three members of her crew were awarded the Medal of Honor: Lieutenant Commander Herbert E. Schonland, Lieutenant Commander Bruce McCandless, and Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Reinhardt J. Keppler (posthumous).
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More information that may interest you:
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