THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 12, 1996 TAG: 9605100023
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
It has been brought to my attention that many people believe that the Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Foundation is connected with the Monitor-Merrimac Center now in existence in Newport News, located in the small boat harbor. For the record, the foundation is in no way connected with this facility or its projects.
The Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of the naval engagement of Hampton Roads and of Hampton Roads itself. The Virginia III Project is a program with its goal the construction of operational full-scale replicas of USS Monitor and CSS Virginia. These full-scale ships will be able to traverse the coast and represent Hampton Roads and the commonwealth of Virginia.
During the recent re-enactment of the battle at Fort Norfolk, there was a couple who came from California to see the battle. Also, it was reported that two carloads of people came from New Orleans, as well as from Pennsylvania. The Southeastern Tourist Association from Atlanta regarded this event as one of the top 20 tourist events on the East Coast for 1996, and the Olympics are in Atlanta.
The first battle between the full-scale replicas will draw international attention.
STEPHEN C. THOMPSON, president
Monitor-Merrimac Memorial Foundation
Portsmouth, April 24, 1996 by CNB