MayorStephanie Rawlings-Blake's office recently issued a press release applauding the restoration and preservation of the Baltimore Battle Monument honoring the sacrifices of Baltimore's citizens through the War of 1812.
But overlooking the Inner Harbor there is another memorial, one dedicated to the Pride of Baltimore and to four adventuresome crew members lost at sea on May 14, 1986 — captain, engineer, carpenter and deck hand. Eight crew members were rescued after four days adrift in one life raft.
That memorial has experienced "a fall from grace" caused by the elements and begs attention. It seemingly cannot be repaired in this economy. The Pride of Baltimore Memorial, located in a part of town to which citizens and tourists are drawn, can only deteriorate further if no solution is sought. Is this the responsibility of the Pride of Baltimore, Inc. or the Baltimore Development Corporation, or is it a shared responsibility? What can be done about this disrespectful condition?
Could public interest and the talents of the art and architectural communities be tapped? There are four unscathed, inscribed panels set in a matrix behind the mast which could be stored until a plan is developed. The mast could remain as a tribute to the ship. How could the cost be significantly lessened while waiting for a full-scale restoration?
As a parent of one of the crew members lost, the sight of the memorial in its present state was a sad thing to behold.
Romilda Foti, Bloomington, Minn.