InterLinc: City of Lincoln: Mayor's Dept

CITY OF LINCOLN • NEWS RELEASE • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:

February 22, 2001

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Crest From H.M.S. Lincoln Now On Permanent Display
British Royal Navy representative helps dedicate plaque Mayor Don Wesely today led the dedication of a plaque for the ship crest from the H.M.S. (His Majesty’s Ship) Lincoln, one of 50 destroyers transferred from the U.S. Navy to the British Royal Navy in September 1940. The crest was given to the city in 1950 by the British Government in gratitude for the help of our country in World War II. The crest and plaque are now on permanent display outside the Mayor’s Office at the County-City Building.

"This crest is a powerful symbol of the bonds between our two nations," said Mayor Wesely. "With the crest and plaque on display, visitors can now learn about the history of the H.M.S. Lincoln and take pride in the ship bearing our city’s name."

The H.M.S. Lincoln was engaged in combat escort duty during the balance of the war, and the crest now on display was attached to the forward bridge bulkhead. It was presented to Lincoln’s Acting Mayor, Thomas R. Pansing, on August 18, 1950.

Members of the late Mayor Pansing’s family were on hand for today’s plaque dedication. Also attending was Royal Navy Captain Harry Keay (kee), who is stationed at U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base. Representatives of veterans’ organizations were also invited to the ceremony.

The crest had been displayed in the City Council Chambers in the previous County-City Building at 575 South 10th, now the Justice and Law Enforcement Center. When the city and county offices were moved to the new building at 555 South 10th in late 1997, the crest was put into storage until a suitable display site could be found.

Media Release