As a boy in the 1970s, Michael Plant spent many weekends and summer days at the Highlands Marina, where his uncle was the manager. The New Jersey marina's bar, “The Bitter End,” was a central feature. While Michael and his cousins were only old enough to play there before it opened to the public, the room's nautical collectibles - especially the big framed print of the SS United States - enthralled Michael.
Several decades later, Michael's passion for America's Flagship was rekindled upon seeing an image of her online at her berth in Philadelphia. He was immediately inspired to join the Conservancy and he has become an active supporter since making his first pilgrimage to the ship.
Last year, as part of the Conservancy's 70th Anniversary Writing Contest, Michael wrote "An Ode to the Big U," a poem about America's Flagship, her Blue Riband-winning maiden voyage, and the fight to keep her afloat.
