USS Hornet to Honor Veterans with Special Memorial Day Ceremony on May 25th

The USS Hornet Museum (Hornet) will host a special Memorial Day tribute honoring veterans past and present, which will take place onboard the Bay Area’s famous “floating museum” beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 25th. The annual tradition will include a Girl Scout color guard, a benediction by Chaplain John Baldwin, CAPT, CHC, USN (Ret), and procession to the wreath tossing.

On Memorial Day, the Hornet will be open to the public 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Musical performances by The Hornet Band and the Watsonville Band begin at 11 a.m. A National Historic Landmark, the Hornet is one of the most decorated ships of the U.S. Navy. The Hornet is berthed at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, in Alameda. Memorial admission is $20 for adults, $15 for adults with Military I.D., and $10 for youth age 7-17 (age 6 and under are free with paying adult). The media are invited. For more information, please visit: www.uss-hornet.org or call (510) 521-8448.

“We invite all veterans and families of members of the military to join us on this very special day, where we honor the men and women who have unselfishly defended our country’s freedom,” said Randall Ramian, USS Hornet Chief Executive Officer and CAPT, SC, USN. “This is the 16th year we have held this touching, unforgettable ceremony onboard the Hornet. It is a special privilege to do so.”

Tours of the ship will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after the ceremony, Hornet visitors are invited to explore the many decks of the ship, from the Captain’s Bridge to the immense Engine Room. The carrier’s numerous exhibits include 13 Navy and Marine aircraft, ranging from WWII vintage to modern era. The Hornet is also home to the West Coast’s largest collection of Apollo Moon Mission artifacts. Families can experience naval history and space exploration firsthand, including the impressive aircraft display, fascinating Apollo Mission exhibit, and an actual flight simulator.

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About the USS Hornet Museum:

The USS Hornet Museum, a popular tourist destination in the San Francisco Bay Area, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to inspiring people of all ages. Through field trips and live-aboard experiences, the USS Hornet, which opened as a museum in 1998, offers educational programs focusing on naval history, science, and space technology. A registered state and national historic landmark and home of the largest collection of Apollo space mission artifacts on the West Coast, the ship is open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and permanently berthed at 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3 in Alameda, CA. Regular museum admission is $10 for youths age 7-17 (age 6 and under are free with paying adult); $15 for students with ID, seniors, and military with ID; and $20 for adults. Admission is free for Museum members. Ample free parking is available across from the pier. The USS Hornet is also a unique, unforgettable venue available for corporate events; trade shows and expos; private parties and big band dances; and TV and film productions. For more information, including group tours and event planning, visit: www.uss-hornet.org or call (510) 521-8448.