MUSKEGON, Mich. — On the Muskegon Lake shoreline sits a ship that was there for the most important event of World War II.
The LST 393 was at Omaha Beach on D-Day for the invasion of Normandy.
Now, it rests at Muskegon's Mart Dock for visitors to come and learn about that historical event from inside a ship that was there.
This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the LST 393 will be hosting a special event in commemoration of that historic day.
From May 31 through June 1, the ship will host various events in memory of the sacrifices made by American soldiers on D-Day.
Part of the commemoration will be World War II reenactors participating on board the ship and the grounds. They will be representing military personnel you would have found on D-Day in 1944: sailors, marines, soldiers, airmen, nurses and civilian fighters.
That Friday, the commemoration will kick off with a swinging "USO Style" dance.
Featuring the award-winning "Governor's Own" 126th Army Band, organizers said the dance is sure to "knock your bobby-socks off." Admission to the dance is by donation and a prize will be given to the best-dressed couple.
Throughout the weekend, the "Aquastar" cruise boat is expected to offer cruises. There will also be tours of a restored Vietnam War-era river patrol boat, known as a "PBR" available from the bow of the LST 393.
Saturday will offer even more to see and do.
Kicking off the day at 8 a.m., the Northside Lions Club will be offering an "all you can eat" pancake breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. Throughout the day, there will be other food available from vendors such as Dodgers Doggies and Chuckwagon Concessions.
Organizers said you won't want to miss "Air Raid Muskegon." Replica anti-aircraft guns will be blasting away at a mock aerial attack on the LST 393 by the Hooligan's Flight team flying vintage aircraft, along with a narrated ground skirmish between Allied and Axis forces.
Over the commemorative weekend, the LST Museum will also be offering discounted tours to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to learn more about the ship and the sacrifice of America's veterans.
Tours will be just $10 on both Saturday and Sunday. However, the museum will be closed from 12-2 p.m. on Sunday for a private family commemoration.
The USS LST 393 is a "landing ship tank" vessel. It was built in 1942 with the purpose of helping America defeat the Axis powers in World War II.
The ship is adorned with 3 battle stars earned during its 30 round trips to Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy delivering weapons of war.
The ship also had a career as the car freighter Highway 16 on Lake Michigan before local enthusiasts began the process of restoring it to its military appearance so it could serve as a museum to honor American veterans.
To learn more about the ship, its history and upcoming events you can visit lst393.org.
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