Bow Ornament of the U.S.S. Pennsylvania Disembarks at Memorial Hall

Pittsburgh, PA
December 12, 2008

Soldiers & Sailors will hold a press conference at 12:15 on Thursday December 18, 2008 to unveil the newest addition to its' collection of historic artifacts with the addition of a solid bronze 8 foot tall 2000 pound bow ornament from the USS Pennsylvania. The elaborately sculpted ornament is one of the few remaining artifacts from the famous "Great White Fleet" which sailed the world during the opening years of the 20th century. Launched in 1903 the U.S.S. Pennsylvania (renamed the U.S.S. Pittsburgh in 1912) has a rich history including being the vessel of the first sea landing in history marking the beginning of US Naval Aviation history. Over the past months, with the help of regional supporters from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, and Westmoreland Counties, Soldiers & Sailors has been able to restore the central medallion of the ornament for display.

The addition of the bow ornament to our collection also marks an important first step toward Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Garden project. Soldiers & Sailors projects that the green space in front of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall will someday include the entire restored bow ornament as well as a life sized figural sculpture dedicated to soldiers involved in our current mission in our war against terrorism. Development of the Memorial Garden includes benches and paths that will encourage visitors to enjoy the outside space while taking a moment to reflect and remember those who serve(d) our country and protect our freedoms.

ESCORTED ROUTE -The bow ornament will be launched from its storage location at Value Ambridge Properties in Beaver County reaching Soldiers & Sailors at 10:45. There could be some traffic delays during transport. The route will be Route 65 onto the Parkway East until Forbes Ave Exit. It will continue on Forbes Avenue making a left onto Bigelow Blvd and then a left onto O'Hara St directly behind Soldiers & Sailors where it will be unloaded.