Community News

Queen Mary Celebrates 90

The Queen Mary announced its 90th anniversary celebration on Thursday, Sept. 26, marking the day when Cunard’s job 534 was officially named The Queen Mary and was christened by Her Majesty Queen Mary, accompanied by His Majesty King George V.

To commemorate this milestone, The Queen Mary will host intimate celebrations, including the unveiling of the hand-sewn reproduction of the Royal Standard in the Main Hall on the Promenade Deck at 5:30 p.m. This ceremonial event symbolizes the return of this iconic emblem to its original place on the legendary ocean liner and is free to the public with an RSVP at https://bit.ly/QM90th.

“Returning a reproduction of the Queen Mary’s Royal Standard is a momentous occasion that reconnects the ship with its royal origins and marks a significant chapter in her storied history,” shared Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary. “We are honored to share this special unveiling with the community as we celebrate The Queen Mary’s 90-year legacy and the return of this iconic symbol to its rightful place on board.”

The Queen Mary will unveil a meticulously crafted reproduction of the original Queen Mary Standard during a special ceremony in the Main Hall on Thursday evening. While the original was presented to the ship by Queen Mary herself, this faithful reproduction has been painstakingly recreated to match its former glory.

The designs were traced by hand onto heavy poly-cotton fabric and painted with Windsor & Newton professional acrylics before being sewn together and hemmed. In 1936, Her Majesty Queen Mary had the commodore and his officers assembled in The Main Hall under her Medallion by Lady Hilton Young. It was there that Her Majesty the Queen presented her very own Standard to her namesake ship.

“It would have been a very moving act for those few who witnessed the event. The Standard remained in the Queen Mary throughout her 31 years as an ocean-going vessel,” shared Caloca. The unveiling of the reproduction of the Standard, a symbol of the ship’s royal heritage, marks its homecoming after decades away, making this a significant moment in the Queen Mary’s storied history.

The unveiling ceremony will be open to the public and guests are encouraged to RSVP to secure their place at this momentous occasion. Following the ceremony, visitors can swing by The Observation Bar for live music and a signature libation, as well as step back in time with an Art Deco performance by Alex Mendham & His Orchestra in the Queens Salon.

Known for their authentic 1930s sound, the orchestra will bring the glamor and elegance of The Queen Mary’s heyday to life. This ticketed event, priced at $45, promises to be a highlight of the evening, offering a unique opportunity to experience the ship as it was in the big band era.

The Queen Mary, originally known as Cunard’s job 534, was christened on Sept. 26, 1934, marking the start of its illustrious journey. Today, this beloved historical landmark in Long Beach, continues to captivate visitors with its rich legacy and timeless elegance. The unveiling of the reproductions of the Queen Mary Standard and the celebration of its 90th anniversary offer a rare glimpse into the ship’s royal past, bringing history to life for both longtime admirers and new visitors.

Caloca adds, “The Queen Mary’s 90th anniversary is not just a celebration of the naming of this incredible ship, but a tribute to the legacy that continues to define this maritime legend and a tribute to our wonderful guests; past, present and future. This marks the beginning of this new chapter into its golden era.”

For those interested in attending, more information and tickets for the evening’s events are available at www.QueenMary.com or connect with on social @TheQueenMary.

Critical Call for Blood

In September, the American Red Cross stresses the continuing critical need for blood products to ensure patient care. Donors of all blood types are asked to give now to keep blood supply levels rising after a summer shortage. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed.

A steady increase in lifesaving blood products is vital to ensuring hospitals stay ready for any situation this fall. As National Preparedness Month continues, the Red Cross highlights the importance of having a strong supply of blood products already on hand for disasters and emergencies of all kinds and to meet the needs of patients every day.

Now is the time to book an appointment and help patients counting on lifesaving transfusions. To schedule a time to give blood or platelets, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

All who come to give Sept. 16-30, 2024, will get a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/Fall.