Please join us for our Memorial Day Commemoration. The USS Hornet is partnering with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and Operation Charlie to bring you a meaningful Memorial Day Event. The main Commemoration starts at 11 AM.
Our MC will be DAR State Regent Christina M Ramos.
Our featured keynote speaker will be Veteran Navy Aviator & CEO of Nations Finest Chris Flaherty. Bio Below
Color Guard provided by Civil Air Patrol Composite Squadron 10.
The National Anthem will be sung by reigning Miss Teen America Grace Warden. Bio below.
There will be a Flyover by the USS Hornet Memorial Squadron at around 12:15. Make sure you’re on the flight deck!
We will complete our event with a wreath laying from the fantail.
Up on the flight deck, the C4 Foundation is holding “Operation Charlie,” commemorating Charlie “Chuck” Keating IV who was killed in Northern Iraq in 1996. They will be conducting a workout on the flight deck. There is more info on their event HERE.
All active duty and retired military personnel are allowed on for free all day on Memorial Day! (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Space Force, Coast Guard).
Chris Flaherty Bio: Chris served for almost 28 years on active duty and conducted combat operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, the Horn of Africa, and elsewhere around the world. Upon retirement in 2021, he continued his service as President and CEO of Clear Path for Veterans, where his strategic leadership and innovative approach expanded services for Veterans and their families across New York State.
Grace Warden Bio: At just 18 years old, Grace is already an accomplished actor, aviator, scholar, and the reigning Miss Bay Area’s Teen. A proud graduate of Pacific Independent Academy, Grace didn’t just earn her high school diploma… she simultaneously earned her Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Santa Rosa Junior College. Grace’s passion for the performing arts has lit up stages across the Bay Area, with appearances in over 20 plays and musicals, as well as performances at the Bay Area Storyteller’s Festival, Napa’s Jarvis Conservatory, and the Cotati Kids’ Day Festival.
