THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, March 21, 1995 TAG: 9503210008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
``Speak softly and carry a big stick'' are words of wisdom once spoken by an American president advocating peace through strength. What an honor it would be to preserve one of America's ``big sticks'' right here in Norfolk.
Area shipyards could provide unsurpassed expertise and facilities to maintain our Battleship Museum as a major national asset for the public to enjoy.
These Iowa-class battleships represent a milestone in naval history, and there's no better place to remember our naval strengths and accomplishments than Hampton Roads, where the first ``ironclad'' battleships dueled.
The crew mess decks and officer ward rooms could serve as visitor cafeterias and restaurants, providing a taste of life aboard ship. Crew living spaces and officer staterooms could provide interesting overnight possibilities, for scouting groups perhaps, while the ship's store could be the gift shop for those prized souvenirs.
Many a veteran would enjoy visiting the ``old girl,'' maybe to relive some memorable moments or reunite with the old gang. And we'd all get a deep sense of pride if we'd hear the ship ``speak'' on the Fourth of July (kaboom).
By all means, we should preserve a piece of our naval heritage as a battleship museum.
ROBERT W. JORGENSON
Norfolk, March 6, 1995 by CNB