USS Iowa Honors Service Members With Memorial Day Celebration
SAN PEDRO (CBSLA.com) — The crew of the Battleship USS Iowa is hosting their first Memorial Day celebration Monday since arriving in Los Angeles.
The event, which is to honor the men and women who have served and continue to serve the United States, is taking place at the LA Waterfront at 250 South Harbor Blvd. in San Pedro.
"Memorial Day is a time to honor those men and women who bravely served and sacrificed for our country," USS Iowa President and COO Jonathan Williams said in a statement. "We at the Battleship Iowa take great pride in being a part of the community, here in Southern California, and sharing our ship's history and celebrating the American Spirit each and every day."
The event includes carnival games, food concessions, free tours of the battleship and live music.
About 600 World War II veterans, who are touring several different historical locations the next two weeks showcasing their stories for an upcoming documentary, will be in attendance.
Volunteer John Simmons told KNX1070's Jon Baird the USS Iowa first went into action in 1943.
USS Iowa
"The Iowas were used primarily in the Pacific fighting against the Japanese," he said.
Any active military, reservists or veterans with proof of service will be admitted free. Non-service members receive a $2 discount if tickets are purchased in advance.
The USS Iowa museum opened an hour early at 9 a.m. and is expected to be open until 3 p.m.
