USS Missouri Gun Barrel Ribbon Cutting Saturday

USS Missouri gun barrel arrives at new home at Wildlife Refuge. (USFWS photo)

USS Missouri gun barrel arrives at new home at Wildlife Refuge. (USFWS photo)

By SUSAN RICE
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge

May 23, 2013

The Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating military history and honoring veterans this Memorial Day weekend.

On Saturday, May 25, at 2 p.m. the Wildlife Refuge will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newest refuge addition –- a 120 ton, 68-foot gun barrel which was on the USS Missouri when the Japanese surrendered on September 2, 1945, ending World War II.

The public is invited to come touch this piece of military history and listen to someone who served on the USS Missouri talk about its storied past.

One can also learn about Fort John Custis, the Army base which was located at the Wildlife Refuge and housed two 16” guns for the protection of the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

There will be pomp and circumstance with a Navy Color Guard, and a Navy veteran playing the National Anthem on the saxophone. [Read more…]