USS OLYMPIA Threatened

Here is more bad news for those seeking to save our historic past. The USS OLYMPIA, which has been birthed in Philadelphia for the last 50 years, may be sold for scrap.

From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

The old warship has been part of Philadelphia's waterfront for 50 years and left lasting impressions on thousands of visitors who heard gripping stories of its role in the Spanish-American War.

Now the Olympia - the last surviving vessel from that 1898 conflict - could face an ignoble end as an artificial reef off Cape May if a new benefactor cannot be found.

The Independence Seaport Museum and the Navy have already checked with officials of New Jersey's Artificial Reef Program on the possibility of sinking the ship, once a source of national pride.

The OLYMPIA was the Flag Ship of Commodore George Dewey when he lead the US fleet into Manila Bay on 1 May 1898 and uttered the famous words:  "You may fire when ready, Gridley".

If you have a spare $20 million you can be the benefactor who spares the USS OLYMPIA.

Regards  —  Cliff