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U. S. Congressman Robert Simmons, R-2nd District
(center) displays an award of appreciation from the Glacier
Society presented by Bernard Koether II of Westport (left) Society
chairman, in recognition of the lawmaker's long-time support
and efforts on behalf of the Glacier Society's efforts to restore
and re-commission the USS/USCGC Glacier. The presentation took
place last weekend during a reception at the New Canaan home
of Paul Foley (right). |
Bernard Koether II of Westport, Chairman of the Stratford-based
Glacier Society, presented Congressman Robert Simmons of Connecticut's
Second District, a Glacier Society plaque in recognition of the
lawmaker's legislative efforts. The presentation took place June
6 at a reception in New Canaan.
Simmons is a strong supporter of the movement to re-commission
the USS/USCGC Glacier and return her to active service for the benefit
of humanity. The Glacier is destined to return to sea with a three-fold
Mission: to contribute medical care and research for the benefit
of native people living above the Arctic Circle, to perform earth
sciences and environmental research, and to provide education for
the public via real time Internet and satellite TV broadcast.
Koether noted that Simmons is uniquely positioned for this leadership
role because he serves the constituents of New London, the home
base for the Navy's submarines that explored the Arctic with the
Glacier and other icebreakers and home of the Coast Guard Academy.
He added that Connecticut is the logical new home base for the Glacier
since she served under the command of both the Navy and the Coast
Guard.
The Glacier Society extends the spirit and tradition of exploration
of the explorer Captain Nathaniel Palmer of Stonington, who discovered
the Palmer Peninsula in the Antarctic in the mid-1800s. Lincoln
Ellsworth, of Yale University, the first to fly in both the Arctic
and the Antarctic, continued this exploration spirit.
Simmons commented, "The Glacier will make an important new contribution
for humanity world-wide and will serve as a great economic and intellectual
contributor for the residents of Connecticut. I am proud to be a
part of this great team."
The Glacier Society is a 501c3 educational foundation based in
Stratford, with members throughout the United States and the world.
Volunteers are currently rebuilding the ship in San Francisco and
preparing to move her into a dry dock for the extensive refit necessary
to prepare her for her new role.
More information is available on line at www.GlacierSociety.Org
or at the Society office at 203-375-6638.
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