Queen Mary Presents Salute to Service Memorial Day Weekend 2019

Queen Mary, Long Beach, CA

Fresh off our coverage last week of a big event at the Queen Mary, we’re sticking with the venerable Long Beach icon to tell you about another event that’s a little more serious but a celebration nonetheless.

Although many people know of the Queen Mary’s history as a majestic, trans-Atlantic steamliner, not everyone may realize that the Queen Mary served a major part of World War II as the “Grey Ghost.” Her tremendous speed allowed her to outrun enemy submarines, and she carried thousands of troops across the ocean between the United States and Great Britain during the war effort. After combat, she joined the ocean liner fleet, transporting civilians across the waters under more peaceful settings. But the Queen Mary’s connection to military service is indelibly linked to her history.

It is fitting, then, that this grand ship will hold a Memorial Day weekend celebration of America’s fallen troops, honoring their sacrifice and remembering their heroism. With exhibits, reenactments, lectures, and activities, the event promises to be an education and entertaining one that gives an appreciation for history and the service of our troops. It’s an event well worth visiting!

The Queen Mary, docked in Long Beach harbor.

A schedule of events has also been released:

Wartime Reenactments and Demonstrations: Each day from 12 pm to 8 pm, WWII troops, nurses, and Allied leaders will give guests a glimpse into the incredible true story of how the ship guided the Allied Forces to Victory in WWII.

Presentations and Lectures in the Queen’s Salon:

• All Day: “War Rooms at Sea” exhibit

• All Day: In-between lectures, check out “Queen Mary Voices,” a series of short films featuring oral histories and stories from our original crew members and passengers aboard the Queen Mary. (48 min.)

• 11am - 12pm: “Queen Mary and the War” with Commodore Everette

• 1pm – 2pm: “Victory through Strength and Unity: A Women’s tale” with Captain James

• 3pm – 3:30pm: “War Bride” film viewing, featuring June Allen (War Bride on the Queen Mary’s first “bride and baby voyage” in 1946)

Around the Ship:

• 12pm – 1pm: Captain’s Meet and Greet at the Bridge (open to all guests)

• 5pm – 6pm: Captain’s Reception for Hotel Guests – Observation Bar

• 6pm – 6:30pm: Commodore and Churchill to tour Sir Winston’s

• 2:15 – Ship’s Officer tour*

• 6:15 – Ship’s Officer tour*

  *This tour is specific to the role of the ship’s officers and the crew of the ship. This will be a first come, first serve tour option. (No additional cost, limited availability).

Sunset Taps Schedule:

• Saturday, May 25th -  7:54pm

• Sunday, May 26th - 7:54pm

• Monday, May 27 -  7:55pm

From the press release:

Long Beach, CA - The Queen Mary is pleased to present, Salute to Service, a three-day Memorial Day Tribute honoring those who have served, and paying homage to the Queen Mary’s duty as a troopship during WWII, taking place on Saturday, May 25 - Monday, May 27 from 12 - 8 p.m. Guests are welcome aboard the ship to experience character reenactments and demonstrations, appearances by historical figures, lectures and family-friendly activities.

The Queen Mary’s impressive speed and size set her up to become an ideal troop hauler often carrying between 10,000-16,000  men in a single voyage. Over the course of the three-day event, guests will be able to explore the ship and witness WWII troops, nurses, Allied leaders, presentations and lectures. In honor of those who have fallen, a Taps performance will be held Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at sunset.  

The “Grey Ghost” during wartime.
(Photo courtesy of the Queen Mary.)

Presentations and lectures in the Queen’s Salon will include the War Rooms at Sea exhibit, Queen Mary Voices, a series of short films featuring stories from original crew members and passengers, and the legend of Queen Mary and the War led by Commodore Everette. A special War Bride film screening with June Allen, the first War Bride to be transported by the Queen Mary in 1946, and Victory through Strength and Unity: A Woman's tale with Captain James will also be shown throughout the three-day tribute.

Additional activations can be found around the ship transporting guests back to the 1940s including the Captain’s Meet and Greet at the Bridge, Captain’s Reception for Hotel Guests at Observation Bar, a tour of Sir Winston’s Restaurant and Lounge led by Commodore Everette and Winston Churchill, and two Ship’s Officer Tours.

The Queen Mary’s Salute to Service takes place Saturday, May 25 - Monday, May 27 from 12 - 8 p.m. All veterans, active duty military and first responders receive free ship admission. Guests of the same party receive 25% off discount on ship admission tickets. Ship admission tickets are available for $40 for adults (12 years +) and $20 for children (ages 4-11). On-site parking is $20 per vehicle. For hotel accommodations and more information please visit www.queenmary.com