Watch CBS News

Veterans Celebrated Aboard USS Iowa This Weekend

SAN PEDRO (CBSLA.com) — Thousands headed aboard the USS Iowa this weekend to honor the men and women who have served their nation.

Service spanning more than 70 years was represented during a Veterans Day celebration on Saturday.

On such veteran, Bryan Moss, first walked on board the battleship 61 years ago when the then 18-year-old joined crew mates headed to Korea.

Veterans Honored At USS Iowa

"Nobody could touch us with weaponry. We were the bully on the block," he told KNX 1070's Ed Mertz.

Moss, now 80, tears up easily talking while speaking of the Iowa and those who have served.

"There's not many of us left anymore," he said.

Saturday's event marked an emotional homecoming for many. Some shared photos while many just listened to stories.

"It's an understanding that if you put on the uniform, you can look that guy in the eye and just understand the sacrifice that he made," Greg Van Riper of the U.S. Navy told CBS2's Joy Benedict. "And he can understand the sacrifice that I'm making."

Admission fees on the ship are being waived through Monday in observance of Veterans Day.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.