American Airpower Museum will once again host the “Dropping of the Roses” Pearl Harbor Memorial Ceremony on December 7, 2025. The annual tribute is organized by the Long Island Air & Space Forces Association and has been held at the museum every year since AAM first opened in 2000. December 7th marks the 84th anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Navy Fleet at Pearl Harbor in 1941.
The ceremony begins with welcome remarks from Col. (ret.) Bill Stratemeier, who oversees public affairs for the Long Island Air & Space Forces Association (LIAFA). The program will honor all who served at Pearl Harbor and pay special respect to five World War II veterans attending as guests of honor. Following the tradition that dates back to Joseph Hydrusko’s memorial gesture in 1970, a set of 84 American Beauty roses will be blessed with an additional white rose placed in remembrance of 9/11. Color Guards from the Navy Reserves and local veterans’ groups will participate, and the museum chaplain will offer a blessing before Taps is played. The roses will then be placed aboard a WWII-era Texan aircraft provided by the Skytypers.
The aircraft is scheduled to depart from Hangar 3 at 12:30 p.m. and head toward the Statue of Liberty, where the roses will be released at 12:55 p.m., marking the moment New York learned of the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. Admission is free between 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. After 12:00 p.m., standard museum admission applies: $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans, and $12 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3, museum members, and active-duty service members with ID may enter for free. No advance tickets or registration are required.
The American Airpower Museum is an NGO (non-profit organization), and is dedicated not only to the aircrafts of the bygone era but also to the men and women who pioneered air and space programs. If you are interested in donating to a good cause and helping the museum organize these events, you can visit this link.
