THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 18, 1996 TAG: 9608170012
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 34 lines
I read ``Legendary liner returns home'' (Aug. 2) with great interest and mixed emotions. I'm happy to see that the SS United States made it back to its namesake country, but sad its future is still unknown.
I saw the Queen Mary towed into Long Beach many years ago (not looking too great either). But its future was much brighter. The ship has been beautifully restored; the public can visit it, tour its decks, eat in its restaurants and even spend the night in its rooms. I have done all at various times over the years.
I've also been on the SS United States - during an auction in 1985 while it was still at Norfolk International Terminals. Although unable to afford many items for sale, it is an experience I will always remember.
Since the United States was built in Newport News and remains, as your writer states, ``still among the company's most recognized vessels,'' setting a speed record - and still holding onto that record - why can't these cities that make up Hampton Roads buy this beautiful ship and create a kind of East Coast Queen Mary? Why can't it be refurbished by these many cities and restored to its home - right here?
Yes, I know the Queen Mary enterprise has had its share of financial woes, but it's still there in Long Beach, still beautiful, still thrilling thousands and not relegated to a ``cruise ship'' or, worse, cut into little tiny razor blades.
Think about it, Hampton Roads. What a wonderful thing to bring the United States home and add its beauty, history and glory to our waterfront for countless people to visit.
CAROL A. WALLS
Virginia Beach, Aug. 2, 1996 by CNB