MORE THAN 2,000 VETERANS ATTEND INTREPID MUSEUM’S ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY AT CENTRAL PARK’S SUMMERSTAGE
[May 28, 2007, New York, NY] Though still “on leave,” The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum today held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Central Park’s SummerStage. More than 2,000 veterans attended the public ceremony.
The program included a keynote address by Admiral William J. Fallon, Commander of US Central Command, a traditional wreath laying, the playing of Taps, a 3-volley gun salute and the unfurling of a 100-by-90 foot American flag by veterans, including former Intrepid crewmembers.
“It is critically important to the mission of Intrepid, that even while ‘on leave,’ we, on this special day, continue our tradition of honoring those who have given their lives in defense of our Nation to preserve the freedoms we hold dear,” said Bill White, President of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum and Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
The ceremony, which has traditionally been held aboard the Intrepid, was this year held in Central Park while the Intrepid is “on leave” for 18 months of restoration and refurbishment.
“For many years, The Intrepid Museum has been the site of a moving Memorial Day event,” said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “With the Intrepid in dry dock for restoration, we are pleased to welcome this event to a temporary home at the Central Park SummerStage, adjacent to a World War I memorial grove. New York City's parks are the chief repository for memorials to the men and women who gave their lives for our country from the Revolutionary War to the present day, and we are proud to have this salute take place in Central Park.”
The Intrepid is currently in dry dock in Bayonne, New Jersey undergoing exterior renovations. The ship has been power-washed and primed, and 6,500 gallons of Navy “Battleship Gray” paint are currently being applied.
Following her stint in dry dock, Intrepid will, on June 6th – D-Day – be towed to homeport on Staten Island, where she will remain until she returns to a brand new, state-of-the-art Pier 86 in the fall of 2008.
While in Staten Island, Intrepid will receive an $8 million interior renovation. Never-before-seen areas of the ship including to fo’c’sle (commonly known as the anchor chain room), general berthing quarters and the ship’s machine shop will be opened to the public for the first time. The hangar deck will feature a new layout and design including new interactive exhibits.
Intrepid Museum Memorial Day Ceremony
Admiral William J. Fallon, delivering the keynote address.
The program included ceremonial wreath laying.
The Intrepid's traditional flag unfurling.
