Tour Greatest Generation Collection Memorial Day Weekend

Wednesday, 20 May 2009

With the Memorial Day Weekend approaching, the Port of San Diego is inviting the public to honor our nation’s heroes with a free walking tour of the Greatest Generation Collection (map) in Tuna Harbor Park, on the shore of San Diego Bay. Located in the shadow of the decommissioned aircraft carrier USS Midway Museum, the collection includes memorials, sculptures and plaques dedicated to the veterans’ service and sacrifices, as well as providing a magnificent setting in which to learn, remember and become inspired. The works of art are the product of generous donations and partnerships with the Port of San Diego Public Art program.

In 1998 Tom Brokaw, the veteran NBC Nightly News anchor, authored the best-selling book, “The Greatest Generation,” which told of the generation of Americans who grew during the Great Depression, went on to fight in World War II and later helped build shape the post-war America we know today.

Collection highlights include a National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military, made up of 16 bronze sculptures designed to represent one of the famous actor’s typical road shows. Hope’s first military tour took place in World War II and his final show took place during the 1990 Persian Gulf War. The inspiration and planning for these works were a Navy veteran’s group known as Task Unit 77.4.3/Taffy 3.

There’s also the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, in which a nine-foot polished, black granite obelisk stands as the centerpiece. The memorial includes the engraved names of all 164 carriers, from the pioneering USS Langley (CV-1) to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. Artworks also pay tribute to the Tuna Fleet Service and honor those who survived Pearl Harbor.

"The Port of San Diego is proud to have this memorial along the waterfront to honor those who served our country," said Chairman Stephen Cushman. "Memorial Day is the perfect opportunity for the public to get out on the Big Bay and see the Greatest Generation Collection."

Enjoy the collection and join the Port in saluting the Greatest Generation. Please print out this Walking Tour Guide to assist you in learning more about these great artworks. In addition, be sure to visit the USS Midway during Legacy Week, from May 23 to May 29, consisting of events to salute to the military, veterans and the 40th anniversary of Top Gun Fighter Weapons School.

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