Spring of 19 - #5 - Cape Canaveral Docks, Cherie Down Park, Brevard Veterans Memorial & Military Museum

Monday April 22nd, 2019
We had a lot planned today and started out by going to Canaveral Locks. Unfortunately, when we got there they were closed, and wouldn't be open for another two hours.  We decided to go to the next thing on our list of places to visit.  On the way we passed a Disney cruise ship waiting to go out to sea.  This will probably be the closest we will ever get to a Disney ship as the cruises that we have seen are very, very expensive.  That's ok, we do want to do another cruise, it just won't be a Disney one.

We saw the Exploration Tower but we didn't go in it.

Our next stop was Cherie Down Park.

It's Nesting/Hatching season but we didn't come here for the turtles. 

We had read that you could see Cape Canaveral Lighthouse from the beach here.  That was our only reason for coming here.  The only other way to see the lighthouse is by taking a tour to, and in the lighthouse but the cost is $50 each. We weren't prepared to pay that.  The problem is the lighthouse is in a secure area of Cape Canaveral, and you can't just drive in and see it.  This is quite a nice beach though.

Here I am looking at the lighthouse, which Bryan spotted in the distance.

Here's the best we could do.

Mission accomplished and we set off for the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center.

It's a small museum but well set out and packed with interesting memorabilia, covering all time periods.

American Civil War

Spanish American War

WWI

There were a few exhibits that were British.  Of special interest to me was the Enfield Rifle. Lee Enfield rifles were originally made in Enfield, Middlesex, where I grew up. Here is the History of Lee Enfield.

This was a Letter from King George V.  This was given to all American soldiers, thanking them as they landed in the UK, on their way to battle, and welcoming them to the British Isles.

U.S.Winchester Model 97

Japan

Hinomaru Good Luck Flag

Senninbari 1000 Stitch Belt

North Korean

Space

Memorial Flag

This flag was recreated from  the names of those who died in the terrorist attacks of February 26th, 1993 and September 11th, 2001.

Outside the center were more memorials and displays.

This wind chime was a Eagle Scout project. It made a wonderful serene sound as the wind blew, even though today there was very little wind. Well done to the scouts for this thoughtful addition.  Listen to it HERE and see some of the other displays.

Desert Storm - Bryan was deployed in Turkey when Iraq invaded Kuwait and it all started.  He was near the end of his deployment, but we were afraid he wouldn't get to come home and that his tour would be extended.  Thankfully, he got to come home on time.

War Dog Memorial

The last Naval Battle of the Revolutionary War took place near here on March 10th, 1783.  Here's a FULL REPORT of the lead up and the days following the battle.

Well, after a disappointing start to our day with Cape Canaveral Locks being closed, the day certainly improved.  We drove home, happy with all that we had seen and learnt.