Standing at the Sea – Point Loma, California

“For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it’s always ourselves we find in the sea.”
– e.e. cummings

Day 2 – part 1 1/2

Just down the road from the National Cemetery is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse overlooking the cliff tide pools.

These pictures don’t do it justice. There is so much more than the view.

It’s the mood of a harsh land beaten by the Pacific.

Flock of Seagulls (ha)

It’s the sounds of sea life as they call from overhead.

It’s the crashing punch when a swelling wave meets the rocky shore.

Then, above it all is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Built in 1855, it was placed 422 ft above the sea, between the Gulf of San Diego and the great Pacific Ocean. At the time, placing it high seemed a good idea. A beacon for all the sailors. It was quickly discovered a place so high had issues with fog obscuring the light (whoops!).

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Unfortunately, it was only a working lighthouse for 30 years because of that little blunder. It has been restored it to its original 1800’s condition, inside and out. Jason and I both have a love for lighthouses and this was the first I have ever toured.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

I was not disappointed.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

The house is small; four rooms and the light is not tall. There is a spiral staircase to the top.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

At the top of Old Point Loma Lighthouse

And the view?

Lighthouse Walkway

Incredible!

Sailboat in San Diego Harbor

Of course, in the 1800’s, it wasn’t the same as now. No busy harbor, and no downtown San Diego.

Downtown San Diego

And certainly, no Coastguard helicopters.

Coastguard Helicopter

Just the little lighthouse…..

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

And the many ocean views….

View from the Old Lighthouse

So, I still want to live in a lighthouse, even an 1800’s one, preferably on the Pacific Ocean, but I am not picky.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

One of the new lighthouse’s is pretty spiffy too, and they even used the grounds for the movie, Top Gun.

New Point Loma Lighthouse

So what do you think? Do you want to live in a lighthouse? Have you been to Point Loma?

To the heroes, and to the perished. I remember you.

Ten years ago today, I remembered where I was, and what I was doing.

I remembered the fear.

I remembered the love uniting us – one nation under God.

But mostly, I remember the patriotism of the strong, and the brave. Lives were lost, and lives were saved.

I may not have pictures of the memorials (how I wish I could be there!). But I do have some poignant images of our freedom and the price we have paid.

My heart moves for all of America; for every hero, every survivor, and every loved one.

Prayers to you all.

    America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)
    Commonly referred to as America
    by Rev. Samuel F. Smith

    My country, ’tis of Thee,
    Sweet Land of Liberty
    Of thee I sing;
    Land where my fathers died,
    Land of the pilgrims’ pride,
    From every mountain side
    Let Freedom ring.

    National Cemetary Point Loma

    Wreath Rose at the National Cemetary

    My native country, thee,
    Land of the noble free,
    Thy name I love;
    I love thy rocks and rills,
    Thy woods and templed hills,
    My heart with rapture thrills
    Like that above.

    Point Loma, National Cemetary

    Let music swell the breeze,
    And ring from all the trees
    Sweet Freedom’s song;
    Let mortal tongues awake;
    Let all that breathe partake;
    Let rocks their silence break,
    The sound prolong.

    National Cemetary

    Daisy at the National Cemetary

    Our fathers’ God to Thee,
    Author of Liberty,
    To thee we sing,
    Long may our land be bright
    With Freedom’s holy light,
    Protect us by thy might
    Great God, our King.

    National Cemetary

    Flower from the grounds of the National Cemetary

    Our glorious Land to-day,
    ‘Neath Education’s sway,
    Soars upward still.
    Its hills of learning fair,
    Whose bounties all may share,
    Behold them everywhere
    On vale and hill!

    Hillside National Cemetary in Point Loma

    FLowers on the ground of the National Cemetary

    Thy safeguard, Liberty,
    The school shall ever be,
    Our Nation’s pride!
    No tyrant hand shall smite,
    While with encircling might
    All here are taught the Right
    With Truth allied.

    Headstones at the National Cemetary

    Memorial Flower at the National Cemetary

    Beneath Heaven’s gracious will
    The stars of progress still
    Our course do sway;
    In unity sublime
    To broader heights we climb,
    Triumphant over Time,
    God speeds our way!

    View from the National Cemetary

    Memorial Rose on a grave

    Grand birthright of our sires,
    Our altars and our fires
    Keep we still pure!
    Our starry flag unfurled,
    The hope of all the world,
    In peace and light impearled,
    God hold secure!

Plaque at the National Cemetery

Never Forget.

*All photographs taken in Point Loma, California at the National Cemetery.