Rhode Island Declares March 5th "Seabee Day"
The year was 1942, the dark days of the beginning of World War Two. At the newly constructed Navy base in Davisville, Rhode Island, RADM Ben Moreell, CEC, founded the US Navy Seabees (shown right). That same year the famous Seabee "Fighting Bee" logo was created at Davisville by Rhode Islander Frank Iafrate. And we can't forget that the humble Quonset Hut that went to war with the Seabees was created at Davisville and named after the point of land on which the base stood .. Quonset Point. Over the past 67 years the Seabees have been "builders for peace' throughout the world.
In recognition of that historic event, the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations has declared March 5, "Seabee Day." The fifth of March annually shall be set apart as a day to be known as 'Rhode Island Seabees Day.' According tot he Resolution, "The day shall be observed by the people of this state with appropriate ceremonies and activities that celebrate the many contributions of the Navy Seabees."
This will help to preserve the heritage to present and future generations. To read the full Resolution,
The staff of the Seabee Museum and Memorial park have worked closely with our local legislators and appreciate their help and support in getting this legislation enacted into law.
Last fall we painted huts 1, 2 and 3 in a World War Two era camouflage pattern. The public reaction has been beyond our expectations. We plan to extend the painting to the remaining four huts.
Up next ... hut 7. This serves as our machine shop and is on a rise behind the main display area. Our latest addition, it came to us painted a brilliant blue. As you approach the museum, from many areas it really stands out. We plan to paint this in our now famous camouflage pattern to make it blend into the woods behind our property.
Once again. Pro-Pain Plus of North Kingstown will tackle the job. The owner, Thomas M is the son of a Davisville Seabee!
We are working to secure grants or donations to allow us to paint the remaining four huts this year. Before we do that, the current plywood ends will be replaced with corrugated tin. We were able to secure enough tin to do the job when a 60 year old building on the former Quonset Point Naval Air Station was demolished at the end of the year.
Gulf War Seabee Memorial Planned
Plans are underway to erect a monument to honor the Seabees who have died in the Gulf Wars on the grounds of the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park. Pictures of these fallen men and women are on the Museum's web site. The monument will be a way to permanently honor their sacrifice at the Original Home of the US Navy Seabees.
We are working with active and former Seabees to design and construct the monument this summer. In the coming weeks we will reach out to the active Battalions to involve them in this important project. Our target date for completion is July 31. Watch for more news in future issues.
New Merchandise at the Small Store
We are pleased to announce that new merchandise is arriving at the Small Store. In some cases we have been forced to raise prices slightly. However, some prices have come down.
Take a look at our top-quality sweat shirts. We have a new supplier and have been able to drop the price from $36 to $26 ... and keep the same quality. Take a look, click HERE.
Also, due to new pricing the cost of small to extra large sizes has remained the same or decrease, but we have been forced to add a modest surcharge to some 3X and 4X sizes.
What would you like us to sell at the Seabee Museum and Memorial Park's Small Store? Let us know, simply email to: Small Store
© 2009 Seabee Museum and Memorial Park, The Original Home of the Seabees
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