The World War II-era USS Iowa is too young to remember the Great War, but the battleship museum will host the biggest local 100th anniversary celebration of the signing of the World War I armistice on Sunday in the ship’s third annual Veterans Day Music Celebration.
The day’s highlight will be the firing off of the ship’s 5-inch guns in a salute at 11 a.m. to mark the occasion of active battle ending at that time on Nov. 11, 1918.
Admission on Sunday is free for all active, retired and reserve military on the ship docked at 250 S. Harbor Blvd., in San Pedro.
Live bands and DJs will perform throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free food sponsored by the veteran-owned Black Night Patrol private security company, a Sailor’s Bar sponsored by West Coast Beverage and a vintage vehicle display.
The Battleship Museum’s capital campaign is underway to raise funds for its current operation and future growth as a National Museum. People who donate $500 or more to the campaign will be invited to attend an exclusive Admiral’s Reception on Sunday in the ship’s Wardroom. The reception will be hosted by Rear Admiral (ret.) Mike Shatynski. You can donate here.
Admission at the box office is $19.95 for ages 12-61. Youth tickets (2-11) are $11.95 and senior admission (62 and over) is $9.95. Children under 2 are free.
Also celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I on Sunday will be the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center, 5901 E. Seventh St., in Long Beach. The center’s Welcome Home celebration honors those recently returning from combat.
The free event features family fun, food and entertainment, plus a groundbreaking ceremony for the medical center’s new mental health building. The celebration goes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.