Wilmington, NC -(AmmoLand.com)- SECU Foundation and the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the SECU Memorial Walkway.
Planned for over half a mile long, the new permanent infrastructure will honor all men and women of the United States Armed Forces who currently serve or that valiantly did so in years past. As a memorial, the walkway provides a place of recognition for the integrity of the bravery, honor, and sacrifice of those that protect our country.
Being above the water line but below the main deck, visitors will be able to walk around the outside of the hull of the ship and see the NORTH CAROLINA in a unique and different perspective. Venturing near the marsh on the starboard side, educational signage will explain Eagles Island and the surrounding environment.
Captain Terry Bragg, Executive Director for the Battleship states, “The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is enthusiastic about the start of the project. We have worked diligently and efficiently to bring it to fruition.” Bragg continues, “It is a momentous day for us here at the Battleship and it is because of the support of the members of State Employees’ Credit Union that we will be able to keep the battleship here for future generations.”
“The SECU Memorial Walkway will enhance the experience for all those who visit our state’s World War II Memorial,” says SECU Foundation Board Chair Jim Johnson. “Through their Foundation, Credit Union members are proud to show support for a project that will honor the men and women of our military and bring greater awareness to the historical significance of this great ship for many years to come.”
The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA will remain open during construction which is anticipated for completion in 18 months.
About SECU and the SECU Foundation:
A not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by its members, SECU has been providing employees of the State of North Carolina and their families with consumer financial services for nearly 79 years. The Credit Union also offers a diversified line of financial advisory services including retirement and education planning, tax preparation, insurance, trust and estate planning services, and investments through its partners and affiliated entities. SECU serves 2 million members through 255 branch offices, over 1,100 ATMs, 24/7 Member Services via phone and a website, www.ncsecu.org. The SECU Foundation, a 501c (3) charitable organization funded solely by the contributions of SECU members, promotes local community development in North Carolina primarily through high impact projects in the areas of housing, education, healthcare and human services.
About Battleship NORTH CAROLINA:
The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is self-supporting, not tax supported and relies primarily upon admissions to tour the Ship, sales in the Ship’s Store, donations and investments. No funds for its administration and operation come from appropriations from governmental entities at the local, state or federal levels. Located at the junction of Highways 17/74/76/421 on the Cape Fear River. Relive with the crew on the Battleship Blog https://seastories.
Visit www.battleshipnc.com or follow us on Facebook.com/ncbb55 and Twitter.com/battleshipnc for more information.
I visited the USS North Carolina while on a leisurely trip to Florida by car in December 2004. It was way out of our way, but we weren’t on any kind of schedule. While I did not serve in the Navy, I have always been fascinated by warships. If there is one of these floating museums in my vicinity, I will visit it. I spent the night on the USS Massachusetts with the local boy scout troop, where we lived as the crew for a day. Lights out at 2200, slept in the racks, up at 0600 for reveille, and… Read more »