On a Day of Traditions, One May Be Launched

Some World War II veterans in San Pedro are hoping to launch an Independence Day tradition aboard the Victory Lane.

Last July 4, a group of World War II merchant mariners organized a celebration to introduce the cargo ship and their branch of the service to the community. Although merchant mariners have been part of this country’s armed forces since before the Revolutionary War, they have become forgotten soldiers, veterans say. To ensure their place in history, the veterans are trying to make the ceremony and open house an annual event.

The ship, which served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, was deeded to the veterans organization by the government. Since then, volunteers have worked to restore the ship to the condition of its first tour of duty in 1945.

Organizers said the appeal of the ship is that visitors can see almost all parts of a working vessel.

“It brings back an awful lot of memories for anyone has been on a ship,” coordinator Mary Anne Struyk said. “You can see parts of the ship that you wouldn’t be able to see if you went to the Queen Mary, for instance.”

One part of the ship is a museum featuring items from the vessel and a special exhibit of items from the Korean War.

Lane Victory, which is moored at the Port of Los Angeles Berth 52 in San Pedro will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A program with a speech by Rep. Glenn M. Anderson (D-San Pedro) and a band performance will begin at 11 a.m.

Other cities in the South Bay are celebrating today with festivities from the traditional fireworks to special tributes to the Persian Gulf War troops.

San Pedro’s celebration will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the bell in Angels Gate Park, 37th and Gaffey streets. A tree and a plaque honoring Gulf War veterans will be unveiled to a 21-gun salute. The San Pedro Rotary Club will sponsor fireworks at 9:15 p.m. in the waters off the inner beach at Cabrillo Beach, off Stephen M. White Drive near Pacific Avenue.

Singing, dancing, a fashion show and fireworks will be part of the celebration beginning at 1 p.m. in Inglewood’s Centinela Park, 700 Warren Lane. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Carson will mark the day with a chili cook-off, games, contests and a bicycle race. Events begin at noon at the Velodrome at Cal State Dominguez Hills at Avalon Boulevard and Victoria Street. Fireworks will begin after a 7:15 p.m. ceremony to honor soldiers who served in the Persian Gulf. Admission for all events is $2.

Gardena’s annual all-day fair will be held at Rowley Memorial Park, 13220 South Van Ness Ave. The activities include game and food booths, kiddie rides and a fireworks display after dark.

Rancho Palos Verdes will celebrate with a Country Fair at City Hall, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Admission to the fair, which will include craft vendors, pony rides and food booths, is free.

Entertainers, games, food, and arts and crafts booths will be at Charles Wilson Park at 2200 Crenshaw Blvd. in Torrance for a celebration beginning at 11 a.m. A fireworks display follows after dusk.

The South Torrance Lions Club will hold its annual fireworks display at El Camino College Stadium, along with entertainment that includes clowns and bands. Gates open at 6 p.m., and admission is $7 for adults, $3 for children 6 to 12, and free to children under 6.

El Segundo is planning a pie-eating contest, food booths, live entertainment and games beginning at 11 a.m. at the El Segundo Recreation Center, 401 Sheldon St. Fireworks begin about 8:45 p.m. Bleacher seats are available for $1. Seating is also available on the grass.

The annual celebration at Malaga Cove School in Palos Verdes Estates will also be marked by a ceremony commemorating the school, which closed at the end of last term. The day starts with a children’s bicycle parade at 9:45 a.m. and continues with games, picnics, entertainment and other family events. The Malaga Cove commemoration will begin at 1 p.m.

Lawndale will celebrate with fireworks and entertainment honoring the returning Gulf War troops. The entertainment will begin at 7 p.m. and fireworks start at 9. Admission is free.