‘Top Gun’ celebrates 25th anniversary

OCEANSIDE — A two-day celebration, which included screenings of the film “Top Gun”, helped celebrate the 25th anniversary of the locally shot, iconic movie. Festivities recognized the military and the beach community that made Oceanside a perfect backdrop for the film.
One of the evenings saw a military fly over, and music by the First Marine Division Band honoring the hometown movie prior to the outdoor screening at the Pier Amphitheater. In synchronized timing, an F-18 jet flew overhead just as the band played the national anthem.
“The F-18 was really low and really loud,” Brian Desplinter, of Oceanside, said.
A second evening hosted a pro-volleyball demonstration and youth volleyball clinic in the lot next to the “Top Gun” house on Pacific Street before another film screening.
“It’s been great,” John Daley, of the Oceanside Historical Society, said.
The outdoor movie screenings had the old-fashioned feeling of being at a drive-in theater. Over 1,000 viewers bundled in blankets and snacked on picnic dinners each night.
“The city should do this more often,” Mary Thorsten, of Oceanside, said.
To further recognize local military, donations were collected both nights for the Wounded Warrior Battalion. An estimated $2,200 was collected to help troops.