On Wednesday, Dec. 7, 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.
(Photo by Robert F. Salant, American Airpower Museum.)
This year is the 81st Anniversary of the Japanese attack on the U.S. Navy Fleet based at Pearl Harbor.
This solemn ceremony remembering all who served at Pearl Harbor follows, 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 81 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 veterans organizations. A chaplain will conduct a Blessing of the Roses, Taps will be played and roses will be presented to the pilot, who then departs AAM’s ramp in a vintage military aircraft to drop the Roses over the Statue of Liberty.
The public is welcome to attend the “Dropping of the Roses” Ceremony on Dec. 7. Free admission between 10:30 a.m. and noon. After 12 p.m. admission will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans, $10 for kids 5 to 12. No tickets or pre-registration necessary.
The American Airpower Museum – “Where aviation history takes flight!”™
Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735 – (631) 293-6398
info@americanairpowermuseum.org – www.americanairpowermuseum.org