By Robert Hudson Westover, Chairman Emeritus of the SS United States Foundation
I am very saddened to report that
the SS United States is now in Mobile, AL being prepared to be sunk in the Gulf
of America. It’s hard to believe on so many levels.
In 1997, the all volunteer
effort I started to save her from this very fate changed my life.
My work to get her on the
National Register of Historic Places resulted in me being recognized by
President Clinton, Peter Jennings of ABC World Tonight and even Queen Elizabeth
II.
In fact, legendary Journalist Walter Cronkite assisted in my efforts serving as an honorary chair along with President Clinton in two organizations that spun off from my SS United States Foundation.
A well selling book, a
nationally broadcast documentary, celebrity endorsements and billion plus
worldwide media impressions did not save this symbol of our nation.
Unfortunately, what could have
been a story of overcoming all odds, of the collective determination to save
arguably the greatest ship ever produced by America—that still holds the
Atlantic crossing speed record—will be a tragic tale of lack of will, mismanagement
and misfortune.
The great United States, to be
sunk in the Gulf of America.
What else can I say?
https://youtu.be/4h1pAsFeJi8?feature=shared
