Save the Date
WWII Celebration on August 15 By Scott McGaugh
I
n less than the time it takes to read this article, America will lose another member of the Greatest Generation. Four hundred more will die by the time you finish your lunch tomorrow. Sadly, only one out of 16 men and women who served our nation in World War II are still with us today. Most are in their 90s and the Veterans Administration predicts they will no longer be with us in about 20 years. Each year the USS Midway Museum is host to a major Battle of Midway commemoration and a Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony. We cherish each year when survivors of both can still attend. Now, on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, the museum is planning a major community celebration on August 15. Plans are being developed now for weekend-long activities,
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headlined by a community celebration Saturday night, called “Thanks for the Memories.”
Here’s an insider’s look at some of the other weekend aspects the Museum is investigating:
It will feature a variety show of entertainers from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. They will feature entertaining lookalikes, including Bob Hope, Judy Garland, The Andrews Sisters, Carmen Miranda, and possible others. They will be accompanied by a local Victory Swing Band. Dancing, dancing lessons are included and vintage attire will be encouraged.
WWII-vintage car show on Navy Pier
Even more important, every World War II veteran in San Diego that Midway can locate will be invited as a guest of the museum. For the general public, the cost will be $45 per couple, $25 for singles. Light appetizers will be included in a massive celebration and tribute to the Greatest Generation. Check www.midway.org in late June for ticket-ordering information.
Photo exhibit
Displays from Camp Pendleton and MCRD A WWII-era concert for museum guests during the day WWII-era newsreels
The USS Midway was commissioned on September 10, 1945, only a few weeks after the end of World War II. Built in only 17 months in the rush for it to enter the war as the most powerful ship the world had ever seen, instead it fell to Midway to preserve the hard-fought peace at the www.homelandmagazine.com