MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. – On October 5-7, veterans of the USS Yorktown (CV-10) will gather for the 75th Anniversary Reunion of the USS Yorktown CV-10 Association at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum. The reunion brings veterans who served on the USS Yorktown from World War II through the Vietnam War back to the ship, where they will be available for a Meet and Greet with local families and visitors on Saturday, October 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Founded in 1948 by World War II veterans, members of the USS Yorktown CV-10 Association meet annually to celebrate the history of the USS Yorktown, reunite with old friends and share memories of their time aboard the USS Yorktown.
“The first reunion of the USS Yorktown…was a time for the men of WWII to renew old friendships over a steak dinner”, said Ron Meacham, Events Chairman, USS Yorktown CV-10 Association. “Our reunions are still a time to renew old friendship and trade stories, but now we take pride in helping bring the ship to life for the visitors.”
The USS Yorktown CV-10 Association was instrumental in saving the USS Yorktown from being scrapped in 1973. For nearly fifty years since the ship arrived in Mount Pleasant, these veterans have donated for restoration projects and provided countless artifacts and archival materials for visitors to enjoy. To recognize their contributions and to honor their service, Governor Henry McMaster signed a proclamation naming October 1-7, 2023 “USS Yorktown Veterans Week”, encouraging locals and visitors to the area to “take advantage of this week, during their reunion, to visit the USS Yorktown at Patriots Point and learn about the history of The Fighting Lady from the veterans who served on her.”
The Meet and Greet is included in the admission to Patriots Point. Members of the media are additionally invited to attend the Memorial Service at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 6.