People may get in a snit over the "tradition" of Herndon - but that is just a distraction. Forget about a possible new Navy Museum in DC. Let's talk about something real; something unique; something once gone you will hate yourself for being so myopic.When it comes to our Navy and our Nation's history - it is time to put up or shut up.
The old warship has been part of Philadelphia's waterfront for 50 years and left lasting impressions on thousands of visitors who heard gripping stories of its role in the Spanish-American War.Where is the CNO? Where is the SECNAV? Where is the Navy League? Where is Rep. Sestak (D-PA)? Where is Sen. McCain (R-AZ)?
Now the Olympia - the last surviving vessel from that 1898 conflict - could face an ignoble end as an artificial reef off Cape May if a new benefactor cannot be found.
The Independence Seaport Museum and the Navy have already checked with officials of New Jersey's Artificial Reef Program on the possibility of sinking the ship, once a source of national pride.
"Another option would be scrapping Olympia," said James McLane, interim president of the museum, which owns the ship and is adjacent to it at Penn's Landing. "But the Navy has told us that 'reefing' is better because it would allow divers to go down on it and would preserve Olympia."
The museum can no longer afford the ship's upkeep, McLane said.
Where; indeed.