MONDAY, NOV. 11

The Battleship IOWA Museum is hosting a free Veterans Day Film Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the fantail of the ship. Actually, it’s the first-ever film festival on the ship so you’ll be participating in a bit of history and, it turns out, you’ll be watching it.

The festival will feature exceptional, award-winning documentaries beginning at 11 a.m. with a screening of “They Shall Not Grow Old.” Directed and produced by Peter Jackson (“Lord of the Rings”), the film features original footage from World War I, most of it previously unseen, as well as interviews with British servicemen who did their duty in the War to End All Wars.

Of course, what’s most eye-catching, is that Jackson’s crew digitally enhanced and colorized the film, so that it has the effect of greatly humanizing the soldiers’ experience in a way the silent, grainy film we’re used to seeing from that era, never could.

At 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., there will be screenings of “The Last Signal” an Emmy Award-winning documentary about the reunion of a couple of American sailors from their days aboard ship in World War II.

Though free, you will need to RSVP for the film festival, which you can do here.

Another great thing: As an added bonus, the film’s director, Kyle Olson, will appear at 3:15 p.m. for a Q&A with the audience.

Giving us a moment’s pause: Though the films are free to watch, you’ll still have to pay to get aboard the ship. Of course, the money goes to the upkeep of the IOWA so Veterans Day is a really good day to give it your support. All active, retired and reserve military receive complimentary admission to tour the Battleship IOWA Museum.

The Battleship IOWA is located at 250 S. Harbor Blvd., San Pedro. Basic admission is: Adults (ages 12-61) start at $17.95; Seniors (ages 62-plus) start at $14.95 and Children (ages 3-11) $9.95 with children ages 2 and under, free. For more information, click here.