“I will stand by you to the last if I can help you.”
- LT John
Worden, USS Monitor
This news comes as a shock to many in the museum world. The recent burial of two of her sailors who
went down with the ship in December 1862 garnered worldwide attention in March
of 2013.
That ship might not have meant much to the men of the Virginia when they first saw it steaming
into battle the morning of 8 March 1862.
They mocked it. It was mocked on
both sides. Some called it a “cheesebox
on a raft,” or a “tin can on a shingle.”
Yet that seemingly insignificant object went on to change the course of
naval history forever. Tested in
battle. Upheld by a tradition of honor,
courage, and commitment lasting to this day.
For every man and woman who wears a uniform, you are carrying the torch
once held by forty-nine brave officers and men, sixteen of which paid the
ultimate sacrifice nine months later in a storm off the North Carolina
Coast.
I can only assume, reader, that you care about history. Otherwise, what else would bring you to this
blog? Museums and institutions like the
Mariners’ Museum and USS Monitor Center work painstakingly hard. If you care about history…if you truly care,
please continue reading.
I am not writing this because I have friends who work there
or have worked there in the past. I am
not writing this as a crusade because the Monitor is a legendary ship. I am writing this for the sake of history. After all, what do we have to look forward to
in our future if we do not do the work to remember the past? This is a critical blow to Civil War fans
worldwide, especially during this sesquicentennial commemoration.
Every time I step up those stairs and gaze into the large
tank, my eyes begin to well up with tears.
I did it the first time I saw it, and I guarantee I will do it when I
see it again. With the lights on and the
staff working.
For fans and enthusiasts of Civil War naval history, the
space that separates you from that room and the glass along the wall is the
closest you will ever get to experiencing the full weight and might of one of
history’s greatest ships. For others, it
is their job to work inside the collection space, ensuring that it is
maintained and protected. Help them
continue to do their good work.
I entreat you reader to take a few moments and sign the
change.org petition. It will only take
you a few moments. Your effort will
hopefully contribute to the continued preservation and commemoration of the Monitor.
John Ericsson, the ship’s designer, could have easily shut
down. The victim of circumstance
following the explosion on the USS Princeton,
Ericsson retreated to a hermit-like existence and bane of the organization he
worked so hard to help. But he did
not. He pushed through and created the
ship we know and love today. Honor
him. Honor the men who fought on and
with her. It will only take a few seconds
of your time.
History is brought alive by these relics. Having explored the fields of Gettysburg several times in my youth, I hope you can continue to restore the monitor parts in the hopes of visiting it, and showing it to my children.
ReplyDeleteWe should try and save heritage. Monitor, Hunley, CSS Jackson. Each should be preserved.
ReplyDelete