AUGUST 23, 2009 -- I attended this year’s black-tie Star Spangled Salute Gala for Fleet Week San Diego at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. This was the eighth annual rendition of the Star Spangled Salute, and it serves as the premier fundraiser for Fleet Week.
It’s a unique event that brings together San Diego’s prominent civilian corporations, business and civic leaders, philanthropists, and of course, the honorable military men and women who serve here in San Diego.
Each year the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation honors our Military Maritime Services with this unique gala. Maritime Services have a significant impact on the region. Fleet Week San Diego is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the efforts of our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members who protect our country and serve the community.
More than 350 people attended the gala. The evening started with cocktails overlooking San Diego Bay. The MCRD Marine Corps Band greeted the guests with rousing parade tunes. A local girl-scout troop led the room through the Pledge of Allegiance.
Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher (State Assembly, 75th District) spoke after dinner. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, and was forward deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom before taking office. His words touched on the sacrifices our military men and women make on a daily basis. Fletcher encouraged the audience to support our troops and their families by supporting the many Fleet Week events taking place.
“With the celebration of the Star Spangled Salute gala, Fleet Week San Diego is officially underway for 2009,” says Fleet Week Foundation executive director Alexandra Squires. “We’re delighted to offer a broad spectrum of events for the general public and our servicemen and women from now until October 21.”
Fleet Week events include:
--Coronado Speed Festival onboard NAS North Island, September 26-27.
--The MCAS Miramar Air Show featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, October 2-4.
--The Navy Birthday Ball on October 10.
--For a complete listing, go to fleetweeksandiego.org.
(Tony Clarke is President of Airdale Brewing Company in San Diego-- airdalebrewing.com. He writes a monthly beer column for the San Diego Downtown News.)