Coronado observed Veterans Day by kicking off its Hometown Heroes Banner Program in a ceremony at the Stockdale Gate to Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI). Banners honoring Vice Admiral James Stockdale and Lieutenant Theodore “Spuds” Ellyson were unveiled. Admiral Stockdale received the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1976. He was shot down over Vietnam in 1965 and spent over seven years as prisoner of war. LT Ellyson was designated Naval Aviator Number 1 in 1911. He received his flight training from aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss on North Island. The ceremony was followed by a reception at the Curtiss/Burgos Home, which was built by Curtiss in 1912 at the corner of Third Street and Alameda Boulevard.
Left: Chuck Lucas, Commander of Coronado VFW Post 2422 and Mayor Casey Tanaka
The ceremony began with an invocation by Navy chaplain Commander Daniel Owens. The Navy Junior ROTC color guard from Coronado High School posted the colors and Aly Brady from the Coronado School for the Arts led the audience of more than 200 in the National Anthem. After welcoming remarks by Mayor Casey Tanaka, the Coronado Village Elementary School “Radical Rabbits” performed a medley of patriotic songs.
Captain Christopher Sundt, the commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado, described the exemplary service of Admiral Stockdale, one of the Navy’s most highly decorated veterans who became the leader of the U.S. prisoners at the notorious Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam during his years of captivity. In the audience to hear his remarks were the widow of Admiral Stockdale, Sybil Stockdale, the Admiral’s son and daughter-in-law, Taylor and Anne Stockdale, and Mrs. Joan Watson, the mother of Anne Stockdale. Captain Sundt went on to describe the contributions to Naval aviation by LT Ellyson who received the Navy Cross for his service during World War I and was killed in 1928 when his airplane crashed.
Below Right: Captain Christopher Sundt, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Coronado
Chuck Lucas, Commander of Coronado VFW Post 2422 described the banner program and the role of representatives of the VFW, the Coronado Historical Association, and the Third and Fourth Streets Neighborhood Association (TAF) in the selection of recipients of the banners that will be displayed along Third and Fourth Streets. As did the other speakers, Lucas recognized Toni McGowan who had the inspiration for the designation of Third and Fourth Streets as the Avenue of Heroes and who has been the guiding force behind bringing the Hometown Heroes banner program to Coronado. John Weimann, who has done all of the artwork for the program on a pro bono basis, was also acknowledged as were Eva Yakutis from TAF and Bruce Linder, Director of the Coronado Historical Association, both of whom contributed to the success of the ceremony and the kick-off of the banner program. Chander and Jami Burgos were also thanked for opening their home for the reception following the ceremony.
Right: The Woman Who Conceived of the Avenue of Heroes and Hometown Heroes Banner Program, Toni McGowan (in Red)
The program concluded with a performance by the Coronado School for the Arts Brass Ensemble, after which the audience was invited to a reception at the Curtiss/Burgos House. Entertainment at the reception was provided by singer/guitarist James Cramer, who was voted North American Country Music Association International’s Vocalist of the Year in 2014. Another highlight of the reception was the bake sale conducted by Jessie, Katie and Jamie Hearther for the benefit of the Wounded Warriors Program and the Naval Medical Center San Diego Recreation Therapy Program. The bake sale at the reception raised almost $1,000 for these programs. Story boards describing the history of the home and of Glenn Curtiss’ work in aviation were provided by the Coronado Historical Association.
Left: Taylor Stockdale with his Wife, Anne, and Mother-in-Law Joan Watson
Individuals and organizations that are interested in nominating a veteran for a banner can go to the Avenue of Heroes Banner Program page on the Residents tab of the City of Coronado website to obtain an explanation of the program and an application form. The City will respond to questions about the program at 619 522 7335.
Right: Some of the Goodies Available at the Bake Sale.
John Tato
Staff Writer
eCoronado.com
