USS Midway Legacy Week Memorial Wall

The USS Midway Museum will begin its 2026 Legacy Week on Friday, May 22, with a four-day Memorial Day weekend program centered on a Remembrance Wall in the ship’s Hangar Bay. The San Diego museum says the wall will be on view from May 22 through May 25 as part of a broader lineup that also includes veteran aviator talks, a wreath-laying ceremony and a flyover. All Legacy Week events are included with general museum admission, except the separately ticketed “Top Gun” movie nights, according to the museum. The museum describes Legacy Week as the centerpiece of its Memorial Day observances in San Diego. ### How does the Remembrance Wall work? The USS Midway Museum says visitors have been able to take part in the display since May 1 by stopping at the Information Booth in the Hangar Bay, picking up a yellow star and writing the name of a fallen hero. The museum says those stars are then collected and displayed on the Remembrance Wall from May 22 to May 25. (midway.org) The Remembrance Wall page says the exhibit is intended to honor veterans who served in the military, “particularly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.” The page also says the wall is presented by Gold Star Families, and it includes information about the Navy Gold Star survivor assistance program. ### What else is scheduled during Legacy Week? (midway.org) Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23, are set aside for the USS Midway Museum’s “Top Gun 40th Celebration” on the flight deck. The museum says both nights are sold out and will mark the 40th anniversary of the 1986 film, with the original “Top Gun” scheduled for Friday and “Top Gun: Maverick” for Saturday. (midway.org) Sunday, May 24, will bring “Meet the Aviators” from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the flight deck. The museum says visitors will be able to hear firsthand accounts from veteran aviators and learn about the aircraft they flew. Monday, May 25, will feature the museum’s Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony and flyover at 9 a.m. on the flight deck. (midway.org) The museum says the event is free and open to the public, with attendees required to be on board by 9:20 a.m. to attend at no charge, and it will also be streamed on Facebook Live. Memorial Day performances are also scheduled later that day on the flight deck and are included with general admission, the museum says. (midway.org) ### Where is the event taking place? The USS Midway Museum is on San Diego’s waterfront at 910 North Harbor Drive. The museum’s events listings describe Legacy Week as part of Memorial Day weekend programming aboard the retired aircraft carrier in downtown San Diego. San Diego tourism listings also show Legacy Week running all day from May 22 through May 25. (midway.org) The museum’s broader events page lists the same dates for the 2026 program. ### What should visitors know before going? The USS Midway Museum says Legacy Week activities, other than the sold-out “Top Gun” screenings, are included with general museum admission. (kpbs.org) The museum’s ticketing page also says it offers a $5 daytime admission option through Museums for All for guests with a valid SNAP EBT card, for up to four discounted tickets with matching photo identification. (sandiego.org) May 25 is the key public date for people who want the formal Memorial Day observance rather than the exhibit alone. The museum says the wreath-laying ceremony and flyover begin at 9 a.m., the event is free to the public, and attendees must be aboard by 9:20 a.m. to attend without charge. (midway.org)