November 03, 2022
Museum Hosts Free Public Events to Celebrate Veterans Day; Starts with Celebration of U.S. Marine Corps 247th Birthday
CHARLESTOWN, MA (November 3, 2022)—The USS Constitution Museum will honor veterans with a “Salute to Veterans”–a ticketed breakfast to celebrate the 247th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps and free public programming on November 11, 2022, in the Charlestown Navy Yard.
The day will begin with a ticketed breakfast at the Museum following Morning Colors in front of “Old Ironsides” on Pier 1. The breakfast features remarks from Major General Charles L. Hudson, USMC (Ret.), who will draw upon his experiences over a distinguished thirty-five-year career leading logistics planning and operations for the Marine Corps on land and sea to reflect upon the importance of solid leadership during turbulent times. General Hudson will also discuss the value of the leadership traits and principles learned as a Marine, as well as what we can learn from his recent experience assisting U.S. Government Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building efforts in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and Mexico.
The annual breakfast also honors the memory of LT. William S. Bush the first U.S. Marine Corps officer to die in the War of 1812 aboard USS Constitution.
The Museum will also provide a special welcome for veteran visitors throughout the day, featuring a special veterans-only tour of the Ship and inviting military families to visit with free admission. Veterans who register in advance and participate in the tour will also receive a U.S. flag flown on board “Old Ironsides” as a special gift from the Museum.
Additionally, the public will have the chance to thank a member of our military community directly. Over the weekend, the Museum will host a write-a-thon to send personalized thanks to veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. This Veterans Day write-a-thon is part of a year-long initiative of the Museum to collect “50,000 Letters of Gratitude” for the military community. Anne Grimes Rand, President and CEO of the USS Constitution Museum, explains, “We believe that the simple art of letter-writing to express gratitude can tremendously impact lives. This act of kindness recognizes the important contribution of those who serve, while demonstrating a valuable skill to younger generations.”
Finally, the day’s events will cater to families, as the public is invited to enjoy a free round of USS Constitution mini golf in the Charlestown Navy Yard! This outdoor course, themed by key moments in the Ship’s history, is back by popular demand for the last time this season after its introduction at the recent Birthday Block Party. We will also have free snacks and treats while supplies last! For complete details on the day’s activities, visit usscm.org/events/veterans-day-2022.
What: Veteran’s Day at the USS Constitution Museum
Where: Charlestown Navy Yard
When: 8 a.m. Morning colors alongside USS Constitution, followed by ticketed U.S. Marine Corps Breakfast at the Museum. Tickets: usscm.org/events/u-s-marine-corps-birthday-breakfast
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free Museum Admission for Veteran Families
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. USS Constitution Mini Golf, Weather permitting
4 p.m. – 5 p.m. USS Constitution Tour for Veterans, Registration required at usscm.org/events/veterans-day-2022
About Major General Charles L. Hudson, USMC (Ret.)
Commissioned in 1981 upon graduation from The Citadel, Gen. Hudson retired from the Marine Corps in 2016 after serving as Commander of Marine Corps Installations Command and Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installation and Logistics (Facilities). He has over 35 years of experience leading complex organizations in logistics planning and operations. Gen. Hudson supported combat and humanitarian assistance operations throughout his service in Grenada, Beirut, Desert Shield/Storm, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Since retiring, he has supported U.S. Government Security Cooperation and Institutional Capacity Building efforts in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, and Mexico.
About the USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum serves as the memory and educational voice of USS Constitution by offering award-winning exhibits where all ages can have fun while learning and exploring history together. The Museum’s mission is to engage visitors in the story of Constitution to spark excitement about maritime heritage, naval service, and the American experience. The Museum is open seven days a week with a pay-what-you-wish admission policy, and the Virtual Museum is open 24/7. The USS Constitution Museum is a 2022 winner in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice in the “Best History Museum” category and Boston Parents Paper’s Family Favorites in the “Historic Sites & Tours” and “Museums & Attractions” categories. For more information, visit usscm.org.
