Lenoir County Remembers – 80th Anniversary of WWII Commemoration Event
The Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum, in partnership with Visit Kinston, proudly announces Lenoir County Remembers: End of WWII Commemoration Event 80th Anniversary, a two-day celebration honoring the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of those who served during World War II. This special event will take place on Friday, September 26, and Saturday, September 27, 2025, at multiple locations in Kinston, NC, including the CSS Neuse Museum (100 N Queen St) and the American Legion Building (300 N McLewean St).
This heartfelt commemoration marks the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII, paying tribute to Lenoir County’s veterans and their contributions to the war effort. Attendees will step back in time to experience the spirit of the 1940s through immersive exhibits, historical presentations, and a festive USO-style dance.
Event Highlights
Friday, September 26 – Welcome & Remembrance
4:00 PM: Check-in begins at the American Legion Building. Guests can explore an intimate WWII-era display showcasing the spirit and sacrifice of the time, available before and after dinner.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Enjoy a hearty Mess Hall Dinner followed by a special presentation, WWII Through the Eyes of Historian Cliff Tyndall, offering insights into Lenoir County’s wartime history.
Saturday, September 27 – History Comes Alive
9:00 AM: Muster at the CSS Neuse Museum.
9:30 AM: A moving ceremony on the Courthouse Grounds honors those who served, including a tribute to Lenoir County’s fallen heroes.
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Join historian Cliff Tyndall for a guided bus tour exploring Lenoir County’s WWII landmarks, including historic USO sites and the Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield-Kinston.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Savor a chow-time lunch at the American Legion while browsing engaging WWII exhibits.
5:30 PM: Check-in for the USO-Style Dance at the CSS Neuse Museum. Guests are encouraged to don 1940s attire for an authentic experience.
6:00 PM: Dinner is served, followed by a PowerPoint presentation highlighting Lenoir County’s WWII veterans.
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Dance the night away to live Big Band music and a DJ set of classic 1940s hits, with Hollywood stars and starlets mingling among attendees.
Ticket Information
This is a limited-seating event with two ticket options:
Option 1: All-Access Pass (Friday Night & Saturday Day/Night) – $60
Option 2: Saturday Night Dinner & Dance Only – $30
Tickets can be purchased through the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum’s Facebook page.
A Community Celebration
“We encourage everyone to join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII and Lenoir County’s vital role in the conflict,” said Thomas Bailey of Visit Kinston. “This event is a unique opportunity to honor our veterans, connect with history, and celebrate with the community.”
Military historian and Lenoir County native Cliff Tyndall, author of A Snapshot of Kinston and Lenoir County During WWII, will serve as a consultant and guide, bringing the region’s wartime stories to life. The event draws inspiration from Kinston’s 1946 “Homecoming Day,” which welcomed thousands of WWII veterans with parades, barbecues, and dances.
Contact Information
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum or contact Keith Hayes at cssneusegba@gmail.com or Thomas Bailey at tbailey@visitkinston.com. Follow the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum on Facebook for updates.
About the Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum
The Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the CSS Neuse, a Confederate ironclad gunboat, and promoting educational programs that highlight Kinston’s rich historical legacy.
Media Contact
Keith Hayes
Friends of the CSS Neuse Museum
Email: cssneusegba@gmail.com
Phone: 252-521-5569
Join us for an unforgettable weekend of remembrance, history, and celebration!
Neuse News is an independent, locally-owned startup based in downtown Kinston. We’re committed to providing free, hyper-local news across Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties—the kind of stories that matter most, delivered in a format built for today.
We don't charge subscriptions. Instead, we rely on readers like you—and the businesses that serve our community. When you shop local, dine local, and click on our sponsor ads, you help us keep real journalism free and accessible.
