"WE WOULDN'T TOPPLE THE STATUE OF LIBERTY,

SO SAVE THE UNITED STATES"

Column from Conservancy President Susan Gibbs Appears in USA TODAY Network Outlets

This week a special column by Conservancy President Susan Gibbs appeared in USA TODAY newspapers across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. In her column, Gibbs wrote:

Public polling shows Americans are sharply divided over politics, public policy and cultural issues. We’re not only dissatisfied with the state of the nation, but pessimistic about our prospects for the future. Now is the moment to draw inspiration from the unifying and inspiring symbols of the nation, whose resilience and power can reforge common cause in uncertain times.

Among those great national symbols, America’s global ambassador of strength and innovation, the SS United States, is now on the brink of eviction and possible destruction. Would we consider toppling the Statue of Liberty, demolishing the Lincoln Memorial or melting down the Liberty Bell? Never. Nor should we contemplate scrapping our nation’s flagship — the only vessel that bears the name of our country.

CLICK HERE to read Susan Gibbs' full column for USA TODAY Network.

The ship also continues to intrigue people beyond the City of Brotherly Love. The Washington Times featured a lengthy piece about America's Flagship, including commentary from Susan Gibbs and Board member Warren Jones. Gibbs and Jones also appeared in an episode of The Spark, a daily news radio program airing on WITF, the Harrisburg, PA, National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate.

A supporter in South Carolina also sent a passionate letter to the editor that appeared in The Post and Courier, urging local officials in Charleston to take up the cause of the SS United States.

Our team was back aboard the ship this week with another major publication. We continue to do everything we can to spread the word about the SS United States and we thank you for your help!

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE COVERAGE OF THE CONSERVANCY'S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE SS UNITED STATES.

ANNOUNCING ADDITIONAL TOUR DATES FOR SUPPORTERS AT NEW DONATION LEVELS DURING JULY AND AUGUST

We have received many inquiries from supporters eager to visit the SS United States in Philadelphia before she must leave her current location.

The Conservancy is pleased to announce that we will be offering additional tour opportunities this summer for supporters who donate at the Benefactor Level ($250) and higher.

Tour opportunities are very limited because the vessel’s pier has long been closed to the general public, and all visitors must comply with security standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Visits to the ship also require accompanying specialist crew members for safety and security reasons, and this imposes significant costs for the Conservancy. Within these constraints, we are committed to enhancing limited access to the ship for our generous supporters.

If you are interested in visiting the SS United States in Philadelphia this summer, we ask that you review the available tour dates below and email us your contact information and your TOP TWO tour dates/times to jbarrett@ssusc.org. Once we confirm your spot on the tour, please make at least a $250 donation online at www.ssusc.org/donate. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email us at info@ssusc.org.

• Saturday, July 20th @ 10:00 AM 
• Saturday, July 27th @10:00 AM and @ 2:00 PM 
• Friday, August 2nd @ 2:00 PM 
• Saturday, August 3rd @ 10:00 AM and @ 2:00 PM 
• Friday, August 16th @ 2:00 PM 
• Saturday, August 17th @ 10:00 AM and @ 2:00 PM 

Space is limited, so act quickly. Thank you so much for supporting the Conservancy's effort to save America's Flagship and honor her legacy!

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL YOUR PREFERRED TOUR DATES.