USS Rainier AE-5

05/31/2026

May 2026 Eruption newsletter with reunion information!

If you are a friend or family of a Rainier sailor, please consider attending the reunion with them or for them! This year’s reunion is in Pensacola, Florida!

04/25/2026

In case you are interested and in the DC area for Memorial Day weekend

Arlington National Cemetery is honored to announce the fifth Flowers of Remembrance Day, to be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Sunday, May 24, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 💐

Flowers of Remembrance Day pays homage to the first official, national, annual Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day. This ceremony first occurred at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30, 1868, to honor U.S. service members who died in the Civil War.

Members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Foundation. Visitors do not need to bring their own flowers.

For updates and a schedule of events visit https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Memorial-Day/Flowers-of-Remembrance

04/21/2026

In case you, a loved one, or friend are interested in participating by sharing your story…

CALL FOR STORIES
https://www.vvmf.org/45th/
Deadline to submit is June 30, 2026.

Lives cut short. Family, friends, and those who served and returned home – changed forever. The Wall bears 58,281 names and the Memorial honors the 2.7 million Americans who served in Vietnam. Each has a story. A story that deserves to be preserved for generations to come.

As we prepare to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the dedication of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial – we are collecting those stories. We are looking for stories from those who served in Vietnam as well as family and friends of those who served and want to make sure that the stories of all our Vietnam veterans are preserved.

04/18/2026

In case you are interested…

Every Father's Day, VVMF lays thousands of roses at the Memorial site. Some roses hold a personal message in honor of the fathers on The Wall, those who never had a chance to come home and start a family, and those who later died after the War ended. Family, friends and visitors are invited to take....

03/06/2026

Latest Eruption newsletter and this year’s reunion information and registration.

Join us this September in fabulous Pensacola, Florida! We’re checking out the Blue Angels, spending time on the water (it is a navy reunion after all), and enjoying spending time together!

If you are a friend or family member of a shipmate, we would love for you to join us as well!

01/30/2026

In case you ever wondered about why ships have bells

Discover the History Behind the Ship's Bell!

Ever wondered about the significance of a ship's bell? It's more than just a tool for timekeeping - it holds stories of tradition, honor, and bravery. From its use in marking watch hours to its symbolism in naval ceremonies, the ship's bell is a timeless piece of maritime history.

Click the link to explore the fascinating history of the ship's bell and its role in naval heritage: https://www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/heritage/customs-and-traditions0/the-ship-s-bell.html

📸: Caption: Melissa Swanson and Karl Knauer, conservators at Naval History and Heritage Command, undertake conservation cleaning on the exterior of the USS Utah bell. (U.S. Navy photo by Naval History and Heritage Command Collection Management Facility staff)

12/24/2025

11/24/2025

In case you are interesting in seeing the traveling Wall during 2026.

VVMF Announces The Wall That Heals 2026 Tour Schedule
https://www.vvmf.org/The-Wall-That-Heals/2026-The-Wall-That-Heals-Tour-Schedule/

11/14/2025

For those near Philadelphia who might be interested in attending this weekend...

This Weekend Only in Philadelphia!

The National Museum of the United States Navy is proud to present The Legacy: Navy 250, a powerful and immersive exhibit honoring 250 years of US Navy service, innovation, and sacrifice.

Location: 100 S Independence Mall West, Philadelphia, PA
(Directly across from the Liberty Bell and the National Constitution Center)

Dates: Saturday, November 15 & Sunday, November 16
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

All are invited you to experience the Navy’s legacy up close. Admission is free.

Come celebrate 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment.

We’d be honored to have you aboard.

10/13/2025

Happy 250th birthday to the U.S. Navy! Thank you to all of you who have served!