In a special ceremony aboard the SS Jeremiah O’Brien, sailing on San Francisco Bay during Fleet Week, the Dutch foundation Libertyship.
The signing took place in the presence of the Dutch Ambassador to the United States and the Dutch Consul General in San Francisco. This historic event highlights the deep bonds between the Netherlands and the United States, who fought together for freedom and peace during World War II. The SS Jeremiah O’Brien, as a Liberty Ship, played a crucial role in supplying Allied forces and is one of the few operational ships from that era.
The Dutch merchant marine made the largest dutch contribution to the allied struggle and final victory. They had more than a thousand ships sailing in WWII of which almost half were lost.
The Netherlands had the Liberty ship ss Tobias Lear from the US. They renamed the ship to ss. Fort Orange and was put into service by a predecessor of the Holland America line.
During Fleet Week, an annual maritime and military celebration in San Francisco, the SS Jeremiah O’Brien provided a striking backdrop for the ceremony. The presence of Dutch diplomats underscored the international significance of this historic moment. The Dutch Ambassador spoke of the historical ties between the two countries: “It is an honor to stand aboard this legendary ship, a living symbol of the cooperation between our nations. The arrival of the SS Jeremiah O’Brien in the Netherlands will further strengthen the power of this shared history.”
The Libertyship.
“The SS Jeremiah O’Brien is a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made for the freedom we enjoy today,” said Hubert Nijgh, Secretary of Libertyship.
The signing of the letter of intent is an important step in a joint project that will now take further shape. Both organizations will work on the logistical and financial aspects to ensure the ship arrives in the Netherlands in time for the commemorations in 2025.
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