[PHOTO GALLERY] Battleship Cove ’s third annual Boston-area event, Uncommon Valor: A Tribute to America’s Armed Forces, was held on April 2 at the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum, where some 300 guests enjoyed an elegant gala dinner, dancing to the White Heat Swing Quartet, and access to a multitude of exhibits dedicated to America’s 35th president and his family.

Battleship Cove is grateful to all those who supported the event, which was chaired by Emily and Dominic DiMaggio and sponsored by Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems. Former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi, the newly appointed Chairman of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission, was guest of honor. Mr. Principi is a combat-decorated Vietnam veteran who first saw duty as an officer on board the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., permanently berthed at Battleship Cove. Mr. Principi fondly recounted his experiences on board the destroyer and espoused the importance of remembering the sacrifices of the armed services. Mr. Principi thanked Battleship Cove for its unwavering determination to preserve five National Historic Landmark naval vessels and “ensur[ing] these ships, and the spirits of the men who served, live on in our nation’s history.”

JFK at the wheel of the USCG yacht Manitou during a vacation in Maine.

THE JOHN F. KENNEDY LIBRARY & MUSEUM: War hero, Pullitzer-prize-winning author, and dedicated public servant, President John F. Kennedy shepherded this nation through some of the most trying moments in its history. Renowned for his inspiring oratory, this timeless figure left an indelible print on the American presidency.

Located in Boston just one hour north of Battleship Cove, the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum is a must-see destination for those fascinated by the life and times of our 35th president. Advancing the study and understanding of President Kennedy's life and career and the times in which he lived, this institution promotes a greater appreciation of America's political and cultural heritage, the process of governing, and the importance of public service.