We are proud to be kicking off our mission to celebrate the American Spirit and honor all those who contribute to making America the great country it is, said Jonathan Williams, Battleship Iowa president and COO. We look forward to having the public join us throughout this coming year as we continue to grow and expand our efforts.
The press conference will be held at 2:00 pm in front of a 6 ft Seward Johnson sculpture Unconditional Surrender depicting the famous Times Square Kiss that has been installed in front of the battleship.
Among the guests will be Hollywood star Rhonda Fleming who was a supporter of the Navy throughout her film career. Her husdand, Darol Carlson, Darol Carlson, served in the USS Navy during WWII, and was stationed in San Pedro.
Actress Tippi Hedren, many remember from her performance in Hitchcock's The Bird's will also attend to support the Iowa's mission. Hedren's father served in the Navy during WWII.
Representing WWII veterans will be Jerry Yellin, who flew the last combat mission of WWII on August 14, 1945. Yellin is a national spokesman for Spirit of 45 Day which honors the men and women who were the ordinary heroes of WWII.
Ms. Nell Calloway, the grand daughter of General Claire Chennault, who formed the legendary Flying Tigers that fought during the war in China will also be attending.
The USS Iowa served in WWII, the Korean War is known as the Battleship of Presidents having transported US President Franklin Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference and later Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. The ship was commissioned in February 1943, and will be celebrating its 70th anniversary this year with a series of events in cooperation with the Queen Mary and other organizations. The USS Iowa is berthed at 250 South Harbor Boulevard, San Pedro, 90731.
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