USS Midway Commemorates Vietnam War Veterans

The historic aircraft carrier hosts a ceremony honoring POWs and Medal of Honor recipients.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:13am

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A blurred, atmospheric photograph showing a crowd of people gathered on the deck of a naval ship, with the faint outline of the ship's structure and equipment visible in the background, conveying a sense of reverence and remembrance.The USS Midway's commemoration of Vietnam War veterans brings a somber yet reflective mood to the historic aircraft carrier.San Diego Today

The USS Midway Museum in San Diego held a special ceremony to commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day, featuring honored guests such as Medal of Honor recipient Royce Williams and former POW Jack Ensch. The event also included the opening of a new exhibit, 'Midway 11', which pays tribute to American prisoners of war from the Vietnam War era.

Why it matters

The USS Midway is an iconic symbol of America's military history, and this commemoration ceremony allows the museum to honor the sacrifices and service of Vietnam War veterans. The new 'Midway 11' exhibit provides a powerful and poignant way for visitors to learn about the experiences of POWs during that conflict.

The details

The ceremony included a wreath toss led by former POW Jack Ensch, as well as the presence of Medal of Honor recipient Royce Williams. The 'Midway 11' exhibit features personal items and recreations of POW cells to give visitors a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by American prisoners of war.

  • The commemoration ceremony took place on National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
  • The 'Midway 11' exhibit opened to the public on Monday.

The players

Royce Williams

A Medal of Honor recipient who was among the special guests at the commemoration ceremony.

Jack Ensch

A former U.S. naval aviator and prisoner of war during the Vietnam War, who was the honored guest for the wreath toss at the ceremony.

USS Midway Museum

The historic aircraft carrier that hosted the Vietnam War commemoration ceremony and opened the new 'Midway 11' exhibit.

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The takeaway

This event and new exhibit at the USS Midway Museum serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by American service members during the Vietnam War, and the importance of preserving their stories and honoring their legacy.