| No
longer the unsung workhorses of the United States Fleet, destroyers have evolved
into the most formidable surface combatants ever put to sea. While the sleek greyhounds
of the Arleigh Burke Class are a distant cousin to the "tin cans"
of World War II, all destroyers share a common legacy of vigilance and reliability.
The USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. epitomizes
this proud tradition, and as Massachusetts' official memorial for the Korean
and Vietnam Wars, the Kennedy represents
veterans throughout the Commonwealth. However, her impact transcends a regional
scope: As a National Historic Landmark, the home of the Admiral Arleigh Burke
National Destroyermen's Museum, and the founding site of Tin
Can Sailors, Inc. the USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. represents the heritage
of destroyer sailors nationwide.
As such, it
is important to accurately recreate the Kennedy's historical fabric: We
must strike a delicate balance between visitor safety, authenticity, preservation,
education, and her primary mission as a memorial. To this end, the Kennedy
Restoration Committee, led by volunteers Richard
Angelini, Stephen Whynot, and Ed Zajkowski, has been formed to promote a methodically
planned, highly collaborative effort to acquire and install period equipment that
will reflect the Kennedy's 1970's (and final) configuration.
If
you are interested in participating in this important project as a volunteer or
by making a tax deductible donation of funds or artifacts, please contact Christopher
Nardi. |
