America’s 250th birthday comes only once, and USS Midway Museum celebrated this historic occasion in grand fashion.
More than 2,500 Independence Day revelers, clad in various shades of red, white and blue, packed Midway’s flight deck for an old-fashion rock ‘n’ roll concert and to view one of the most impressive fireworks extravaganzas on the West Coast.
“It’s a tradition for us,” said Carlos Chavez, who has been enjoying the Fourth of July on Midway with his family for the past five years. “It’s a hard ticket to get a hold of, but it you’re persistent, it’s totally worth it. It’s the best seat in the entire county. You’re not going to get any better than this. The experience is the best.”
While the museum has always had a concert on board as entertainment for guests waiting for the Big Bay Boom fireworks display, this year the concert was as much a reason to celebrate on Midway as the pyrotechnics. Headlining the flight deck party was the renowned supergroup, World Classic Rockers.
“I think the fireworks are great, but I came for the band,” said Carol Hammond, who was on board with friends. “They played the songs I loved so much growing up. Hearing them in person made me feel young again.”
World Classic Rockers is a classic rock group founded in 1995. The band features a rotating lineup of musicians and singers who originally played in a variety of legendary rock and pop groups like Steppenwolf, Journey, Boston, Toto, Santana and Lynyrd Skynyrd. This is not the first time World Classic Rockers have performed on Midway.
“It’s amazing to be here as I love playing on the Midway,” said Aynsley Dunbar, the band’s drummer who was with Journey from 1974-1978. “It brings back great memories. It’s so fun being here. I hope on our 250th, the whole world can come together and be better all around.”
The concert was more than just incredible entertainment, it was also a fundraiser for Freedom Park at Burnham Navy Pier. Net proceeds from the event will go to the ongoing development of the largest public park on the West Coast that, when completed in 2028, will be a tribute to veterans and their families.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us aboard Midway to celebrate America’s 250th birthday,” said Christina Case, Midway’s capital campaign director for Freedom Park. “It was a wonderful evening that honored our nation while helping build Freedom Park. I’m thrilled that the proceeds from the event will help transform a historic Navy Pier into a place where future generations can gather to reflect, remember and better understand the sacrifices that protect our freedoms.”
The high energy of the World Classic Rockers’ concert was accentuated by the massive 18-minute fireworks display over San Diego Bay celebrating 250 years of the ongoing experiment known as the American democracy.
“This is our 250th, that’s a big deal” said Jean Brackton, who was on board with three generation of her family. “Being on Midway for the Fourth this year made our country’s birthday even more special.”
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