Honoring Battleship Texas Veterans and History on Houston Happens

HOUSTON (KIAH) – Memorial Day is a day set aside to mourn fallen servicemen and women. It is a day of reflection and remembrance. On this day, we remember the brave men and women who died while serving in the United States military. Their sacrifice ensured the freedoms we enjoy today. On Remembrance Day, we honor their memory and pay tribute to their families.

On today’s Houston Happens, we take a closer look at this inspiring holiday and find more ways to honor the men and women who risk their lives to serve their country.

Battleship Texas

The Battleship Texas is a part of our history and is currently anchored at the Gulf Copper Shipyard in Galveston. The ship is closed for major repairs, but a grand reopening is planned for late next year. The Battleship Texas Foundation’s mission is to preserve and enhance this historic ship and create a premier museum and tourist attraction that will honor the memory of the battleship and those who served aboard.

The battleship Texas served in both World Wars and earned five battle stars during World War II. Remarkably, during its more than three decades of active service, only one crew member was lost to enemy fire.

In 1948, the Battleship Texas was donated to the State of Texas to serve as both a museum and memorial. The Battleship Texas is a beloved and honored symbol of our state.

If you would like to help restore Battleship Texas, you can make a donation to the Battleship Texas Foundation. Donations will be used for educational projects and the preservation of the ship’s history. The Battleship Texas is a beloved and honored symbol of our state.

Houston Veteran Spotlight: Donny Daughenbaugh

This Memorial Day, we honor the men and women who died in the United States military. Their sacrifice gave us our freedoms. We are forever grateful and will never forget. We also honor their families and loved ones who continue their legacy of service.

Donny Daughenbaugh, veteran and Senior Vice President of the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, joins us in studio to tell his story and inspire other military veterans.

Olympic swimming

The U.S. Olympic Artistic Swimming Team is raising funds to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. This year they have a very good team and a great chance to get on the podium for the team event. Sarah Minkewicz has more on the team.