SAN DIEGO – On April 30, 2010, the USS Midway Museum will hold a very special commemoration ceremony, “Celebrating Freedom in America,” to honor the anniversary of April 30, 1975. There will be a special program open to the public, on the USS Midway’s flight deck.
(April 30, 1975 was the date of the fall of Saigon and the Republic of South Vietnam. The USS Midway played a key role in rescuing thousands of refugees in less than two days, enabling them to come to America. It became known as Operation Frequent Wind.)
The ceremony will begin at 12 noon (the museum opens at 10 a.m.). It will honor both the Republic of South Vietnam and the USS Midway sailors who conducted Operation Frequent Wind on April 30, 1975.
Special guest speakers will include the 1975 Captain of the USS Midway, Larry Chambers, and the 1975 Air Boss of the USS Midway, Vern Jumper. There also will be a traditional Vietnamese Memorial Ceremony, memorial wreath presentation, recognition of 1975 refugees and Midway sailors, the opening of the museum’s Operation Frequent Wind exhibit, and Vietnamese entertainment.
A special ticket to see the museum and attend the ceremony for that day only will be $20, which will include admission to the museum and a unique lapel pin honoring the USS Midway and the Republic of South Vietnam. They can be purchased at www.midway.org or at the Midway Museum ticket booth. Purchase in advance is recommended.
The USS Midway Museum is located at 910 N. Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.). Parking is available next to Midway on Navy Pier.
For more information, visit www.midway.org or email smcgaugh@midway.org.