We’ve heard your outcry and words of encouragement. We are working hard to provide a secure financial base and prudent management to preserve OLYMPIA for posterity.
Chaplain distributing letters, USS PENNSYLVANIA 1918
“Dear Friends, yet again another historic vessel is in danger of becoming razor blades due to the lack of funding, unfortunately this seems to be the case over here in the UK. I wish you well in your quest and only wish I could do more to help. However , I do believe that this vessel should be saved for future generations why because it’s part of who you as a nation are, this vessel defines your nation as a global sea power. My friends as stated this vessel is a ‘National Historical Landmark’ therefore, it belongs to the nation and as such everybody within the USA has a moral responsibility to protect their nations history regardless of what it is, even the President has a responsibility not only as an individual but as the President to protect your nations history!! Therefore, Mr. Glen Clark, Navy Inactive Ships Program has a responsibility as does the navy even though it does not own the vessel. You do not have to ‘own’ an object of such historical importance but because it belongs to the nation, for the nation then you have a moral responsibility towards its protection do you not? My friends, you have a monumental task ahead of you and I wish you well in your quest……….. Regards, Malcolm C.”
“Please protect one of our last remaining national treasures. Our children and our children’s children will thank us!…………Jose C.”
“The Olympia is a piece of American history that simply cannot be replaced. The ship must continue to exist!………..Jon D.”
“The Olympia is a significant artifact of America’s naval history. I BEG the museum authorities to very carefully consider their actions. This type of historic artifact requires constant care. You may save some money now, but what might be lost is irreplaceable. PLEASE work with the Friends to find some way to provide the care that Olympia needs. Thank you……Andrew C.”
“This is a one of a kind time capsule of history that our nation can not afford to loose………..Michael E.”
Writing letters, USS OLYMPIA
1898
“This is a disgrace. How could they let this happen to something that helped mold this country into what it is today…………Larry E.”
“Put the Olympia in the hands of the people who will love her and nurture her and keep her standing tall and proud! Angela L.”
“She’s worth saving………Melissa M.”
“What a loss if this National treasure were to be relegated to a scrap pile!!!! This beautiful vessel needs to be preserved, at whatever cost, so that future generations can see an important part of the history of our country, as well as an engineering marvel serving as testimony to the dedication, skills and advanced thinking of our countrymen at that time. To the many volunteers who have devoted so much of their personal time and talents to restoring and maintaining this National treasure,
THANK YOU!!…..Charles E.”
“I have seen this fine old ship many times and know her history. What a harbor scene Philadelphia could have with WW2′s most decorated ship USS New Jersey across the river and the OLYMPIA on the Philadelphia waterfront. I want to help so my check is in the mail.”……LCDR Jack Francis, USN, Ret.
“As one who’s visited the Olympia all the way from Texas, I hope that the means can be found to save the ship. It’s one of the few last reminders of a major conflict our country was involved in, and it should be preserved.”……Ryan S.
Cutlass Drill, USS ATLANTA, 1886
