CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A special ceremony took place in North Beach to honor a momentous day in Hugh Avery's life.
It was 1954 when a young 17-year-old Avery enlisted in the United States Navy. He spent four years as an enlisted man and has been a volunteer for 10 more years for the U.S.S. Lexington.
“It just brings back my experiences in the Navy," Avery said. "I loved every minute of my job and my ship."
Avery says he has been to many of the ships for Salute to Veterans ceremonies.
Steve Banta, executive director of the U.S.S. Lexington Museum, says for Veterans Day, current or retired members of the military will receive free admission.
This year’s ceremony may look a little different.
“I like to make sure that people understand when you come on board the Lexington, we do want you to wear your mask, we do want you to maintain social distancing but please come and commemorate because that's what we're all about here,” Banta said.
Avery says each Salute to Veterans ceremony brings a sense of unity to those who attend.
“We've all been down the same road, “ Avery said. “It’s a chance to get back together and socialize and honor our veterans.”
