The Queen Mary will honor Veterans Day with activities, music, and remembrance – NBC Los Angeles

What to KnowQueen MaryLong BeachVeterans and active-duty personnel, and their guests, too, will receive free admission to the landmark Nov. 11Parking is available for an additional feeSeveral activities are planned from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., including live performances by the USO Girls, meet-and-greets with the captain, and the opportunity to write letters to active troops

Southern California is home to several well-known military museums and historical sites, but only fabled place has made over 1,000 Atlantic crossings, serving as both a passenger ship and an iconic conveyance for World War II service members: the Queen Mary.

Today, the ocean-liner is a famous attraction, known for its hotels, food and dining, and haunting tours.

But in the 1940s, the stately vessel assumed a new role as the Grey Ghost; hundreds of thousands of service members were transported on the ship, which also became known as hosting Winston Churchill’s “seaborne war room during WWII.”

The ship remembers its important role in the World War II through exhibits and events throughout the calendar, with one of the major annual commemorations taking place each Veterans Day.

With that in mind, the Long Beach landmark will welcome veterans and active-duty personnel aboard on Nov. 11, no admission required.

The event is open to all, do note, but the complimentary entry is reserved for veterans and active-duty personnel.

In addition to offering pay-nothing admission to veterans and military members, several activities are planned, with live musical performances by the USO Girls, a meet-and-greet with the captain and officers, and the opportunity to write a few meaningful missives to those currently serving.

Visitors may also stroll through several exhibits, including the Engine Room and Ship Model Gallery.

The ship’s No. 3 Speakeasy will also present “The Grey Ghost Returns” Nov. 11, with “ration-inspired cocktails” on the menu and tunes of the era played live. Guests are invited to wear fashions of the 1940s, if they choose, but however you dress, you’ll need the password: Haunt the Hull.

Speakeasy hours are noon to 4 o’clock, which means you’ll be there for a couple of the Queen Mary’s powerful horn blows.

The horn begins to sound at 10 a.m., which is when the Veterans Day event officially begins.

Find out more about this history-filled, gratitude-inspired gathering, a commemoration steeped in the Grey Ghost’s World War II legacy.