On March 23rd, a 640 pound piece of steel arrived at Cape Henlopen State Park. Thanks to the wonderful folks at Federal Express, the relic from the USS Arizona, which was sunk on December 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, was transported from Pearl Harbor to BWI Airport and then trucked to Fort Miles. The fast and efficient service provided by FEDEX was donated to FMHA and the Fort Miles Museum by FEDEX.
On June 1st, in anticipation of the re-opening of the Fort Miles Museum, this historic relic was uncrated to plan for its transport and movement into the Museum. Later this month, Corrado Construction of New Castle and Millsboro will transport the 640 pound relic through the Fort Miles Cantonment Area and Artillery Park, where it will be rolled into the Museum. The relic will be placed in the Museum’s Visiting Artist’s Gallery inside Battery 519. A formal opening ceremony is being planned for September 2nd.
Photos of the relic being uncrated show FMHA Board members Dr. Gary Wray with Grandson Max and Cliff Geisler inspecting the relic. Bunker Buster Pat Bragdon was also on hand to plan how the relic will best be positioned for transport on four auto transport dollies recently purchased by FMHA. Gary and Max also assisted with sweeping dust particles that had accumulated in the crate as part of the commitment to care for (with pride) the relic.
FMHA and Delaware State Parks recognize Fort Miles and the State of Delaware are honored recipients of this historic symbol of the beginning of World War II.
