The USS Midway Museum’s annual “Legacy Week” activities over Memorial Day Weekend are designed to showcase those who serve America in uniform. Presented by USAA, a very special event will take place on Saturday, May 28, at 9 a.m. on the flight deck. Supporting sponsors include Kaiser Permanente and Booz Allen.
The annual Veterans Remembrance Ceremony will honor Pearl Harbor survivors in the 75th anniversary year of the attack on Pearl Harbor. It’s free to the general public, family oriented, and those who attend can remain aboard and enjoy the museum the rest of the day at no charge.
Everyone is invited to attend the Veterans Wreath Ceremony on Saturday, May 28, at 9 a.m. on the USS Midway Museum’s flight deck.
It will be a day to honor the words of President Franklin Roosevelt. “No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people will through their righteous might win through absolute victory.” Ultimately 16 million Americans answered their nation’s call by serving in World War II.
Then, on May 29 and May 30, Midway will have a special feature showcasing its “air wing” of more than two dozen aircraft. On both days, those who flew in each aircraft will be “stationed” in front of each, sharing personal recollections of what it was like to fly a Skyhawk, Vigilante, Skywarrior, Phantom, Tomcat, Horner, Texan, Dauntless, Corsair, Intruder, Panther, Cougar, and others. It’s a rare opportunity for the public to truly get to know what was like serving America from the air, from the 1940s to the 1990s.
In addition, there will be military band performances on May 29 and 30. This has become a highlight of the Memorial Day Weekend tradition aboard Midway. The San Diego Blood Bank also will hold a donation drive on May 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Yet there’s more! On Saturday night, May 28, a rockin’ concert will take place featuring the World Classic Rockers. If you like rock and roll, you won’t want to miss a concert whose proceeds benefit local veterans’ organizations. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $59.50 for a night of all the rock and roll classics. More information and a link to online tickets is available at: http://www.midway.org/freedom.
Still another feature of Legacy Week is the popular Discovery Zone for kids. A variety of hands-on activities from various local military commands will be available. In past years youngsters have had the opportunity to wear EOD gear and even help restore aircraft.
Legacy Week this year is part of the USS Midway Museum’s dedication to preserve the legacy of the Greatest Generation. For example, plans are being developed to replace Pearl Harbor stone/plaque on the Embarcadero near Midway with a sculpture of longtime San Diego resident John Finn who received a Medal of Honor for his actions on December 7, 1941. It was the first Medal of Honor awarded in World War II.
In the coming months the proposed replacement memorial will be reviewed by the Port of San Diego.
Additional information is available at: http://www.midway.org/legacy-week
