“The Friends membership is proud to be able to preserve this important artifact from our
nation’s history and welcome it back to the collections,” said John Whitley, chairman.
More about WWII-era rubber relief maps can be learned by reading contemporary
articles at the following Web sites (found at Google Books):
Life Magazine. September 11. 1 944 and Popular Mechanics. May 1948
Battleship North Carolina Crew Returns to
What Was Once Their Home
On April 6, 201 1, crew members who served aboard the USS North Carolina (BB55)
in the 1940s will return to what was once their home in celebration of the ship’s 70th
birthday along with her 50th anniversary of being moored in Wilmington, North
Carolina.
The historic event kicks off at 2:00 P.M. on April 7, 201 1, as the battleship and her
crew welcome aboard the North Carolina Azalea Festival Official Party and Azalea Queen
Heather French Henry. To mark the commissioning of April 9, 1941, and the arrival to
Wilmington on October 2, 1961, a three-dimensional battleship replica cake, designed
and created by Robin Cox of Eat Desserts First, takes center stage. Fred Velletri, president
of the USS North Carolina Battleship Association, and Heather French Henry w'ill do the
honors in cutting the cake with an authentic World War II sword.
“Today, we make history again,” says Kim Sincox, Museum Services director at the
battleship. “It will be an emotional day as we all come together to celebrate the past,
present and future of the ship and this city. We are so honored and thankful to the Azalea
Festival for commemorating these momentous battleship anniversaries.” The New'
Hanover County Senior Center will provide entertainment prior to and during the
program. Emceed by Emma Saunders, North Carolina Sweetheart Queen, the Fosters
Grandparents and Hi-steppers, directed by Annette Crumpton, will entertain during the
pre-show' w'hile Cotta Dance, directed by Carol Loeser, w'ill perform during the show.
Annual favorite A1 Cohee will sing to the queen.
In a more private setting, on Friday, April 8, 2011, crew' members have a time to
reminisce with one another and tell stories of days past. Capt. Terry Bragg, executive
director of the battleship, said, “They have a love of the ship, or that’s w'hat they say, but I
think it really is a love for each other. The battleship North Carolina has now served to
make them a family.”
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