October 18, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cruiser Olympia Congressional Commemorative Coin Bill

Washington, D.C.—The Friends of the Cruiser Olympia, based at Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia, PA. announced that last week, Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) introduced H.R. 3180, a Congressional bill that honors the Cruiser Olympia by directing the U.S. Mint to issue a Commemorative Coin for sale to the public. The bi-partisan legislation is cosponsored and supported by most of the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation including, Reps. Fattah (D-PA), Shuster (R-PA), Altmire (D-PA), Holden (D-PA), Schwartz (D-PA), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Gerlach (R-PA), Thompson (R-PA), Marino (R-PA), Dent (R-PA), Doyle (D-PA), Platts (R-PA), Meehan (R-PA), and Critz (D-PA). Rep. Brady represents the Penn’s Landing area of Philadelphia in his District.

The President of the group, Jay Richman, said, “We are honored to have Congressman Brady as the sponsor of this important legislation to assist in the restoration and ultimate preservation of this National Treasure and historic ship. We told him that over 112 years ago, the U.S. Congress struck a special commemorative Medal honoring the sailors, officers, and Commodore Dewey in their victory over the Spanish fleet in Manila Harbor in 1898. Today, we again will secure Congressional awareness and recognition for the Cruiser Olympia’s important impact on American history.”

Bruce Harris, Executive Director of the Friends of the Cruiser Olympia, stressed that this Commemorative Coin must secure two-thirds of the House’s 435 Members in order to pass. “We have a long way to go to educate the U.S. and the Congress on the Cruiser’s status, in which it has come to disrepair and neglect so that we must restore its hull and decks in dry-dock. This coin will, once passed by the Congress, assist us in that regard.” The Friends of the Cruiser Olympia held a special dinner reception in the U.S. Capitol last June honoring the Cruiser Olympia, at which time members of the House and Senate Sea Power Subcommittee staffs, Armed Services Committee, Navy League, Naval Historical Foundation, U.S. Navy officials and other distinguished guests attended

For further Information:
Bruce R. Harris
Executive Director
Friends of the Cruiser Olympia
The Keepers of Our Naval Heritage
Two Penn Center Plaza, Suite 200
Philadelphia, PA 19102
W (215) 854-6309
Fax (215) 569-0216
bruceharris@cruiserolympia.org

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See also: Congressman Brady introduces bill to honor and preserve the Cruiser Olympia through a commemorative coin authorized by Congress, October 14, 2011