People gathered at the USS Hornet Sea, Air and Space Museum in Alameda Saturday morning to celebrate Veterans Day as well as two major milestones for the ship.
One attendee, Paul Boettcher, served in the Navy for four years and appreciated the sentiments expressed around the country.
“Very touching,” Boettcher said. “It means that our country really respects the benefits of veterans over the many, many years. It’s a grand, wonderful feeling.”
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Some of those present shared stories about their service.
“I was sent to Germany. I spent one year over in Germany, got to see a little bit of Europe and Holland,” said Oakland resident Ray Hothan.
Retired Rear Admiral Jonathan Yuen was present to speak at the ceremony.
“We’re going to celebrate Veterans Day on this historic ship. And just yesterday we celebrated — so it’s been 80 years since then — the Hornet was commissioned.”
The event not only honored American veterans, but also marked the 80th anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Hornet and the 25th anniversary of it becoming a museum.
Among the speakers was East Bay Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
“Of course, our dear veteran community, we all salute you,” she said. “And I want to recognize and honor the countless service members.”
The ceremony involved a wreath-laying as well as a flyover by the Memorial Squadron.
For some, the day was a moment to pause.
“Very touching. Very moving,” said Boettcher. “It was kind of — makes you think back and reflect.”
