Military Ceremonies are free on the USS Missouri Battleship
USS Missouri Events can include promotion (or pinning) ceremonies, retirements, re-enlistments and changes of command. Recently I had the privilege of photographing a USMC retirement ceremony on the battleship.
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What is the USS Missouri Famous For?
According to the USS Missouri Association website, “USS Missouri has served proudly through WWII, the Korean War, and the Gulf War for a 51-year long career. Launched from the Naval Shipyard in Brooklyn in 1944, USS Missouri entered the Pacific Theatre in early 1945. She participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She joined in on air strikes and shore bombardment on mainland Japan. Most famously, the battleship hosted the surrender ceremony of Japan on 2 September 1945.“
How to Plan a Military Ceremony at the USS Missouri Battleship
USS Missouri Events and Military ceremonies at the Battleship are free of charge for:
- Retirement
- Change of Command
- Change of Responsibility/Post and Relief
- Promotion/Commissioning
- Re-Enlistment
To coordinate, first submit a Military Ceremony Request Form
Point of Contact: military@ussmissouri.org or call (808) 455-1600 ext 221.
What to Wear to a Marine Corps Retirement
A retirement ceremony is a formal event. The time of year and the retiring service member will dictate what uniform should be worn by active service members.
Civilians should wear business attire or nicer – collared shirts, no jeans, dresses and slacks.
How Long is a Marine Corps Retirement?
The final duration of any retirement ceremony largely depends on the length of the speeches by both the retiring officer and the retiring service member. It also depends on the events of the ceremony itself. Some choose to have passed Old Glory which will add more time. Typically a Marine Corps Retirement can last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
What Happens at A Marine Corps Retirement?
The bear minimum for a retirement ceremony is the service member, a retiring officer, and someone to read the citation. It could be done in 5 minutes to be honest.
Typically, the events of a Marine Corps Retirement are:
- Colors are posted
- The citation is read
- Service member is given an award
- His or her spouse is recognized
- Speeches are given from the retiring officer & service member
- Gifts are presented to the spouse & children of the service member
See More Military Ceremony Photo Inspiration
At the end of a career, all that will be left are the photos and uniforms. I pray you have photos! If not for yourself, for your kids.
USS Missouri Events Photos
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- Easy Marine Corps Retirement Ceremony | USS Missouri Events
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I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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