WWII Era Battle Ship To Kick Off Rose Bowl Pep Rally By Firing Its Guns

BlutarskyTFM10 years ago

This year’s Rose Bowl is going to be a little different than usual. On top of the usual festivities, a World War II-era naval vessel will be firing her guns off in the Los Angeles Harbor. While this may seem strange, there’s actually a good reason behind it.

Aside from the fact that it’s a World War II battleship firing her guns, which is absolutely rad, this whole event is taking place because the ship shares the same name as one of the teams playing that day, Iowa.

Unfortunately, the ship won’t be shooting the big 16-inch freedom cannons on her main turrets. Instead, the smaller 5-inch guns on the side of the ship will be fired off in celebration of the Hawkeyes while a massive pep rally is taking place on the dock next to the ship.

The whole event is actually a way for the USS Iowa Museum to give back to the people of Iowa.

From WHO TV:

Because of the State of Iowa providing $3 million toward the restoration of the ship, any Iowa resident is given free admission to the floating ship museum. In addition, any University of Iowa student with a student id will also be given free admission, even if they are not from Iowa. The free admission to U of I students is extended through January.

Pretty cool, if you ask me.

This ship served during WWII, the Korean War, and for parts of the Cold War. The same guns that will be fired off in front of thousands of Hawkeye fans were used to shell Japanese coastal defenses 70 years ago. Seems to me like a pretty great way to bring attention to a historic ship and an incredible way to kick off a great game of football..

[via WHO TV]

Image via YouTube