National Cemetery overlook opens at Presidio

by Eric Cagan

Tucked into the woods above the San Francisco National Cemetery, the Presidio's fourth major scenic overlook provides a contemplative vantage point for commemorating the sacrifices of American soldiers and honoring their service to the nation. The National Cemetery Overlook was formally dedicated at a special Veterans' Day ceremony on Nov. 11.

A new trail, fully accessible to people with disabilities, takes visitors through a series of stone walls inscribed with messages and quotes about service and sacrifice. The trail winds its way through the Presidio forest, ending in a seating area offering sweeping views across the cemetery of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and San Francisco Bay. It was designed to provide intimate spaces for quiet contemplation.

"I hope the overlook will inspire visitors to reflect upon the sacrifice of our nation's veterans," said Craig Middleton, the Presidio Trust's executive director. "The Presidio has always been a place of service; we are proud to honor the men and women who have served, or currently serve, in the armed forces.

" The poem "The Young Dead Soldiers," by Archibald MacLeish, is inscribed on the stone walls of the overlook. Poet Laureate Robert Hass read from the poem at the opening ceremony.

The trail leading to the overlook can be accessed from the Bay Area Ridge Trail.

More than 30,000 Americans have been laid to rest at the national cemetery, including Civil War generals, Medal of Honor recipients, Buffalo Soldiers, a Union spy and Congressman Philip Burton, who championed the creation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

The overlook is the fourth of eight overlooks planned as part of the Presidio Trails, Bikeways and Overlook Campaign. It was made possible through a generous gift from Robert and Kathy Burke.

"We are extremely grateful to the Burkes for their generous contributions to the Presidio," said Greg Moore, executive director of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. "Their gift provides an inspirational setting to appreciate the Presidio's history, beauty and longstanding service to our country."

The Presidio Trails, Bikeways and Overlooks Campaign was kicked off with a lead gift to the Parks Conservancy from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund in 2007. Since that time, trail improvements have been implemented throughout the Presidio through the partnership of the Presidio Trust, Parks Conservancy and National Park Service.

Rare Plant Discovered During Presidio Construction Project

Construction crews starting work on the $1 billion Doyle Drive replacement project in the Presidio discovered a rare find: A Franciscan Manzanita plant that was previously presumed to be extinct in the Presidio.

Botanists were called in to verify the existence of the plant and to move it out of harm's way so the roadway project could resume without delay.