THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9606290077
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: 49 lines
The cancellation of Civil War Day, previously scheduled for Oct. 12, may open the door for a bigger and better celebration of Portsmouth history.
The event last year did not draw the spectators needed to attract re-enactors who came from other cities to participate. It may be that the great national interest in Civil War history has peaked and so the event did not attract enough bus tours. Also, it may be that most local people interested in that period of history have had enough of the same activities.
But that does not mean that some other celebration of Portsmouth history could not attract people. As one person involved in staging the event said, how could we have all this history and not find people interested in it?
There are several alternatives.
The city could zero in on the first battle of the ironclads, which probably is the most important Civil War history anybody can claim. The day the Monitor and the CSS Virginia (Merrimack) faced off in Hampton Roads changed naval history forever by making wooden ships obsolete.
Or Portsmouth could lay claim to all its illustrious naval history and, at the same time, pay tribute to the oldest naval shipyard and the oldest naval hospital in the nation. Both the navy yard and the hospital have cooperated with the Civil War Days and they probably would be even more receptive to a celebration involving all the years of their history.
In addition, the city could celebrate the Coast Guard connection which would be especially appropriate since Portsmouth recently has become the center of all operations on this side of the country. Chances are the Coast Guard also would be very cooperative and their sea and air rescue activities could provide wonderful demonstrations on the waterfront.
The possibilities of a broad historical celebration seem endless. Putting together an attractive celebration for this year obviously is impossible. However, by starting now to work on a celebration 15 or so months from now, a committee probably could make a beginning effort by next year.
The city's Convention and Visitor Bureau could make a special promotion to reunions of Navy groups. Locals could invite their friends and relatives from elsewhere who have worked at either the shipyard or the hospital or who have been stationed here with one branch of the service or another.
A properly designed and promoted celebration of the history of Portsmouth could turn into a real national event that would attract visitors - especially those who have connections with the Navy and the Coast Guard.
The demise of Civil War Day could be looked upon in a positive way, an opening for wonderful new opportunities. by CNB