October 15, 2009 has been declared USS Columbia CL–56 Day in South Carolina by a South Carolina Senate Resolution. The remaining crew members of the famed World War II light cruiser named for our capital city, and their families, are holding one of their last reunions in Columbia.

The SC Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum is hosting a special event to honor the veterans at 9 am on Thursday, October 15. The event will include Mayor Bob Coble, Senator Jake Knotts, Greater Chamber of Commerce CEO Ike McLeese, military VIPS, and members of local Navy support organizations. During the ceremony, the flag of the USS Columbia from the Battle of Leyte Gulf will be donated to the museum by the son of Admiral Maurice Curts, the skipper during Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history. USC’s Navy ROTC Honor Guard and commanding officers will also transfer the flag from the Columbia’s last wartime cruise, which USC has had since 1946.

On Saturday, October 17, the museum will offer a variety of programs about the war in the Pacific and the service of the USS Columbia. The day will include WWII reenactors, a talk about the Columbia's service, and visiting vets from the Seabee Association. There will be a special VIP stop by some USS Columbia veterans at 11:30 that morning.

The USS Columbia (CL–56) was launched December 17, 1941. Cruisers, like the Columbia, were named for American cities. As the nation focused its attention on the war effort, cities like Columbia, formed a special attachment for their namesake ships.

In late October, 1944, Columbia took part in the largest naval battle in history, the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Columbia is officially credited in assisting in the sinking of two enemy battleships, one cruiser, and one destroyer during this battle. In early January, 1945, Columbia was attacked by kamikaze suicide planes. Two separate attacks killed 37 and wounded 142. Despite the deaths, wounded, and severe damage, Columbia’s crew repaired the ship and continued to support the invasion force. Columbia received a Navy Unit Commendation for her crew’s success in saving the ship and continuing their mission. Columbia also received ten battle stars for World War II service.

Founded in 1896, the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is the oldest museum in the Columbia area. The museum focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present War on Terror.