USS Coolidge

I had a great afternoon yesterday!  I spent it creating a double page layout that I've framed.  It will be a gift to my brother.  I haven't decided if it will be his birthday gift, which is the end of this month, or if I will keep it for Christmas.

Our Dad was on the USS Coolidge when it hit two "friendly" mines during WWII. It sunk within an hour and all the soldiers had to jump off the ship and get to shore. Dad never spoke much, if at all, about his time in the service.  We only found out about it because there was a documentary on PBS about it and because there was an article in the National Geographic magazine back in the late 80's.  By then it was too late as he had already passed away.

Here's the journaling with more information:

Built in 1931, the 22,000 ton President Coolidge was one of the biggest, grandest ships in the USA.  Until the War, it was run by American President Lines as a luxury liner, carrying almost 3500 passengers mostly on trans-Pacific routes.  Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, it was hastily adapted to carry troops and military cargoes, and in early 1942 became active in the Pacific. The ship hit two "friendly" mines in the channel on October 26, 1942. Everyone escaped safely except for two solders.  The 205 meter long ship sat on the reef on the side of the channel for a little over an hour before completely sinking.  Now it rests in between 20 meters and 60 meters and is a world-famous dive spot.

Located only a few kilometers from Luganville, the second largest town in Vanuatu on the island of Espiritu Santo, the wreck lies only a few paces from the relatively calm shore.  Divers can reach it by boat or by foot through one of several diver operations based in Santo.

 Close To My Heart November Special

In November, you’ll get something extra when you buy the Stamp of the Month—50% off another stamp set! When you qualify for and buy the November Stamp of the Month set, Capture the Date, you’ll receive another stamp set* of your choice for 50% off—it’s like two promotions in one! The versatile Capture the Date stamp set is great for any layout, card, invitation, or calendar, and now you can choose another stamp set at half-off for more wonderful papercrafting. Get Capture the Date and then capture the savings today!

 

* Offer valid for A-E and M size stamp sets only; K-size, Workshops on the Go^®, Cricut^® collection, and Stamp of the Month stamp sets are not eligible for this promotion. Maximum of one 50% off stamp set per order.

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The winner of last weeks Freebie Friday stamp set is Fleurbydesign!  Be sure to contact me with your address so that I may get your prize out in the mail to you.  Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.