Orange County to host free showing of 'Midway' for veterans on Nov. 12

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Veterans Service Agency Director Christian Farrell will host a free showing for veterans of the new, highly acclaimed movie “Midway” at 12:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at Flagship Premium Cinemas in Monroe, located at 34 Millpond Parkway.

The county coordinated the event with Flagship Premium Cinemas, ShopRite Supermarkets, Inc., Town of Monroe Supervisor Tony Cardone and the Monroe Town Board.

“Movies such as Midway are important because they portray the challenges and adversity that our service members faced overseas during combat,” Neuhaus said. “They also help us better understand our veterans’ needs when they return home from the battlefield. We look forward to hosting this event, which provides Orange County veterans with an opportunity to come together, enjoy a great movie and share some of their experiences.”

“Midway,” which stars Aaron Eckhart, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid and Mandy Moore, tells the story of U.S. Navy sailors and aviators who persevered through the Battle of Midway, a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The Battle of Midway took place between June 4 and 7, 1942, just six months after Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Japanese lost approximately 3,057 soldiers, four carriers, one cruiser and hundreds of aircraft. The United States lost approximately 362 soldiers, one carrier, one destroyer and 144 aircraft during the battle.

The film is based on real-life events and will be released on Friday, Nov. 8, three days before Veteran’s Day.

Veterans can reserve a spot to view Midway on Nov. 12, for themselves and a guest by contacting Farrell at 291-2470 or cfarrell@orangecountygov.com.