FLEET WEEK SAN DIEGO By Larry Blumberg & Maggie Young America’s finest city will get a little finer this November when Fleet Week returns with live events to San Diego’s bay front. The annual event forged by a partnership between business, community, and military leaders celebrates the sea services through events that invite the public to come out and see what the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard do to support U.S. national defense. The majority of events kicks off Nov. 4, when the Navy and Coast Guard ships and Marine Equipment will arrive at Broadway Pier. An All active Duty Golf Tournament and a Sixteen team Softball Tournament that included military teams and teams of first responders were held in September and October. Fleet Week events will wrap up on Veterans Day Nov. 11 with the second annual Veterans Day Boat Parade on San Diego Harbor. “Our enlisted men and women come from many walks of life for one purpose,” said San Diego Fleet Week Foundation Associate Executive Director Maggie Young. “And that is to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Their commitment to this ideal 14
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requires them to leave their families and their homes, deploying to many parts of the world to keep all of us here safe. They do this for very little compensation, and Fleet Week San Diego is one of the ways that this community can thank them for their service. Respect for the commitment of enlisted service men and women has been a cornerstone of the San Diego Fleet Week Foundation’s efforts since its beginnings in 1997. The organization began as a volunteer group of business leaders and retired military personnel banding together to plan and coordinate events to celebrate the U.S. military. The foundation officially incorporated as a nonprofit in 2001 and is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year. “We’re really excited about our 2021 events,” said Maggie, who is responsible for producing and managing all the events. “There have been a lot of changes through the years and we’ve gained a lot of experience in putting on a great show. That experience is translating into what I believe is going to be one of our best ever Fleet Week’s here in San Diego.”
