The USS Silversides Submarine Museum invites the public to a powerful and  heartfelt community event, Lights of Honor: Remembering Our Heroes, on Saturday, May 23,  2026, beginning at 4pm on the museum grounds. The event is free and open to all, with a  mission to honor the more than 40,000 service members from Michigan who gave their lives in  service to our nation. 

The event starts with family-friendly activities for all, 4pm - 6pm:  

• Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles 

• Jumpin’ Joe Paratrooper Drop Zone Activity 

• The Art of Flag Folding 

• Food Trucks 

• The Museum and Submarine will be FREE to the public 

At 6pm, join us for a moving Memorial Ceremony complete with an engine start of the historic  World War II, Gato-class submarine!  

Throughout the evening, the museum grounds will be illuminated with thousands of glowing  luminaries—each representing a fallen military hero from Michigan. Guests will have the  opportunity to walk among the lights, reflect, and pay their respects in a serene and reverent  setting. 

“This event is a profound reminder of the more than 40,000 Michiganders who never came  home,” said Veronica Campbell, the Museum’s Executive Director, “and of our responsibility as  a museum, and as a community, to remember them and all of our loved ones across the United  States, with reverence, gratitude, and care. Watching our historic submarine come to life while  hundreds of lights honoring their sacrifice is something I know I’ll carry with me forever.” 

The museum and submarine will remain open to the public FREE of charge for the entire event,  4pm - 10pm. We invite the entire Michigan community to take part by attending, sponsoring a  luminary, or even sponsoring the event.  

Ways to Get Involved: 

• Attend the event on May 23 and experience the breathtaking tribute in person, 4pm - 10pm.

• Sponsor a luminary for just $5 in honor or memory of a loved one who served and died  during service.  

• Sponsor the event to help keep it free in the future 

• Donate a gift to the ongoing efforts of the museum to honor, remember, and educate.  For more information or to sponsor a luminary, visit  

https://silversidesmuseum.org/event/lightsofhonor/