Above, the John Trapani Band, wearing the khaki uniforms of the wartime USO, entertains "the troops, "who (at right) crowded the Brown s decks enjoying the festivities.
on the Brown in World War II and was now chairman of the Great Lakes 2000 cruise. With him were David Burmeister, '76, president of one of Cleveland's stevedoring companies, Rick Wood, '83, a candidate for Congress from Ohio's 14th District, and Lr. Norman Johnsen , USMMA recruiting officer. Memories of the war era were evoked by popular tunes of the Forties. Abbott and Costello imitators had the crowd roaring at their "Who's on First" routine, whileArthur Pope impersonated General George Patton. The height of the special events was the flyovers by two B-17s, a Japanese "Val" ai rcraft, and a US Navy Wildcat, which
captivated passengers and crew alike. In a reenactment of hostilities, crew members manned the ship's 20mm antiaircraft guns and fired simulated flak as the Val flew by. NMHS was represented by trustees Harry W. Marshall, Warren Leback and the author. NMHS member Stephanie Begley-Smith donated to the Brown the 48-star coffin flag of her uncle, Patrick Joseph Begley, who was killed on Vella La Vella in World War II. A memorial service near the end of the cruise honored the men lost on merchant ships in World War II. As the ship 's chaplain Ramon Reno recited the Navy Hymn, a wreath was carried past an honor guard
and committed to the waters of Lake Erie. As we disembarked, people spoke of the long-ago memories that the cruise brought back, to be shared now, no doubt, with memories of the Great Lakes 2000 cruise. J, Mr. Smith, a graduate of the US Naval Academy, is a trustee ofNMHS. He recently retiredfrom the insurance industry and lives in Pleasantville, New York. For information about the John W. Brown and future cruises, contact Project Liberty Ship, PO Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore MD 21224; 410-661-1550; or visit their web site at www.liberty-ship.com.
The Art ofthe Sea Calendar for 2001
Scenes from our glorious and colorful maritime past are captured by twelve of America's best known marine arti sts. Royalties from sales of this calendar benefit the National Maritime Historical Society , which promotes the appreciation and preservation of our maritime heritage through education, publication and seamanship. Calendar is wall hanging, full color, 11 x 14" $11.95 + $3 s/h. To order send $14.95 (or $13.75 for NMHS members) check or money order to: NMHS, PO Box 68, Peekskill NY 10566. Or phone 1-800-221-NMHS (6647) to order by credit card. SEA HISTORY 95, WINTER 2000-01
FULL COLOR• CLOISONNE • ACTUAL SIZE LAPEL PIN - $8.00 each - 3 for $20.00 / N.Y RES TIE BAR - $8.50 each - 3 for $21.50 / ADD TAX
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