While many Americans celebrate Memorial Day with a cookout and a long weekend, the true importance of this holiday is in honoring our nation’s history and the sacrifices of the men and women in the military.
With its deep roots in military service and rich history, San Diego offers locals and visitors the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in history through its historic landmarks.
Before the Liberty Station we know today
Today, we know Liberty Station as a vibrant community of restaurants, shops, fitness centers, artist studios, and museums – and generally just one of the most beautiful spots to spend a day.
But before its transformation, it served as San Diego’s Naval Training Center (NTC). Opened in 1923, this naval training center housed over 2 million Navy recruits through 1997. Most on-property buildings at Liberty Station are original to this time, such as the Liberty Station Public Market, which was the site of the NTC’s mess hall!
Experience life as a recruit!
Life as a recruit at Liberty Station was, shall we say, slightly less comfortable than our experiences at Liberty Station today! Feature exhibits being showcased around Memorial Day will give you a taste of what life was like.
Explore Liberty Station with their “A Walk Back Through Time” self-guided walking tour with audio to discover the history of your favorite Liberty Station buildings.
Check out the ‘Life of an NTC Recruit‘ exhibit in the Dick Laud NTC Command Center to see the life of a recruit in the 12 weeks from arrival to graduation.
Visit the New Americans Museum‘ s Near/Far: Portraits of Local Immigrant Veterans exhibit to learn about the service and sacrifice of local immigrant veterans and their stories.
Brush up on your history
The exhibit runs until end of June and is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10AM to 4PM. Appointments to view the exhibit can be made here.
Brush up on your Liberty Station history with these videos before your visit.
See you there….and stay healthy, San Diego!
