CONCORD, Calif. – On Sunday, July 17, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell will tour the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and participate in commemoration events to honor the 320 lives lost – most of whom were African American enlisted men – in the 1944 munitions explosion. On the 72nd anniversary of the Port Chicago disaster, which played a key role in the racial desegregation of the American military, Secretary Jewell’s keynote remarks will highlight the site’s significance in our nation’s ongoing struggle for equality.
Secretary Jewell’s remarks will take place at the proposed site of the new visitor center, which will be jointly operated by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) and the National Park Service (NPS). A portion of the Concord Naval Weapons Station is being transferred to EBRPD through the NPS’ Federal Lands to Parks Program. Once completed, the new visitor center and regional park will offer a seamless backyard park experience to the urban communities of Pittsburg and Concord.
President Obama signed legislation designating the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial in October 2009, the first park unit the President signed into law.
Who:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
What:
Remarks at Port Chicago annual commemorative event
When:
Sunday, July 17, 2016
4:30 p.m. PDT – Media check-in
5:00 p.m. PDT – Public commemoration event begins
Where:
Concord Naval Weapons Station
Enter at guarded intersection of Kinne Blvd and Bailey Road in Concord. Press will be allowed to drive in and park at the event site.
Media:
Credentialed members of the media wishing to attend the remarks are encouraged to RSVP here.
Source: Department of Interior
