American Airpower Museum Hosts Annual “Dropping of the Roses” Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony

PRESS RELEASE

On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the American Airpower Museum hosts the annual “Dropping of the Roses” Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony conducted by the Long Island Air Force Association (LIAFA).  The American Airpower Museum (AAM) has provided space for this event each year ever since the Museum opened its doors in 2000. The event this year will begin at 10:20 am and end at 12:00 pm.  December 7, 2023 is the 82nd Anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy Fleet based at Pearl Harbor.

Welcome remarks will be made by Col. (ret.) Bill Stratemeier, LIAFA.  A solemn ceremony remembering all who served at Pearl Harbor will follow, including a special tribute to World War II veterans who will receive certificates from Long Island elected officials.  In keeping with the “Dropping of the Roses” tradition began by Joseph Hydrusko in 1970, the blessing of 82 American Beauty Roses (including one extra white rose for 9-11) will commemorate the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.  The ceremony will include Color Guards from the Navy Reserves and  local veterans organizations.  A Chaplain will conduct a Blessing of the Roses, Taps will be played, and the roses presented to our pilot who will then depart AAM’s ramp in a vintage military aircraft to drop the roses over New York’s Statue of Liberty.  The event is open to the public, with free admission between to the museum 10:30 am and 12:00 pm.  After 12:00 pm the admission will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for kids 5 to 12.  No tickets or pre-registration are necessary.

The American Airpower Museum cordially invites the News Media to attend and cover the event.  News Media should contact Robert F. Salant at [email protected] to confirm their participation prior to the event.

The American Airpower Museum is an aviation museum located on the landmarked former site of Republic Aviation at Republic Airport, Farmingdale, NY.  The Museum maintains a collection of aviation artifacts and an array of operational aircraft spanning the many years of the aircraft factory’s history.  The Museum is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Educational Foundation Chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.

Angela Decker

Angela Decker, from McPherson, Kansas, discovered her passion for aviation after earning a Master’s in Military History from Norwich University in 2011. Since 2012, she has volunteered with vintage aviation groups, excelling as a social media content creator and coordinator. Angela has coordinated aviation and WWII events, appeared as Rosie the Riveter, and is restoring a Stearman aircraft. She is the Operations Logistics Coordinator at CAF Airbase Georgia and an accountant with a degree in Economics from the University of Georgia. Her son, Caden, shares her love for aviation and history and is studying Digital Media Arts.

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