A donation of $150,000 will go toward repairing the hull of a World War II-era boat.
The Department of North Carolina has donated $150,000 to the Generations Campaign, a fundraising effort to repair the hull of the Battleship North Carolina.
“The American Legion Department of North Carolina and its 40,000-plus members are honored to make a contribution of nearly $4 per member to help restore and maintain the Battleship North Carolina,” said Department Commander Donald Bridges. “These funds will help ensure that she is available for everyone to enjoy and revere forevermore. The Battleship North Carolina is our World War II memorial. Many members of the department are World War II veterans, and some served on the North Carolina during the war.
“It is important that we remember and reflect on our heritage to honor those who sacrificed in order for all to enjoy our freedoms and liberty. We encourage all other North Carolina veterans organizations to provide financial support, as may be available, to help ensure that future generations will benefit from the efforts to restore and maintain the battleship and preserve our heritage. The American Legion membership thanks the battleship commission for allowing us to be part of the historical project to preserve our heritage and our members who have served this great nation. God bless each of you, and our great nation.”
Capt. Terry Bragg, executive director for the Battleship North Carolina, said, “The battleship is honored by the outreach and generosity of The American Legion. We are grateful of the support of the veterans of the armed forces who served valiantly for our country. In knowing that the battleship not only keeps the World War II crew heritage alive, we strive to also preserve the legacy of all those who served. It is our mission to carry on their message for future generations. With the gift from the Legion, we continue to move forward to educate on bravery, honor and sacrifice.”
The battleship is self-supporting and relies primarily on tour admissions, sales in the store, donations and investments.
Visit www.battleshipnc.com to learn more about the Battleship North Carolina.
- Honor & Remembrance