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 Subject: LST 325
 
Author: Buddy LST 1126
Date:   1/25/2012 9:48 pm CDT
I keep getting information that the LST 325 is considering a move to another city, Peoria I believe. Also, the city of Evansville is stating that they want them to remain. The contract is not up for another couple of years, but I suspect the positioning is to get the most out of Evansville with the mention of moving. The place where the ship is moored is not the most advantageous place, but it's been working for a number of years. Fact is the WWII and Korean War veterans are dwindling and that eliminates a good bit of interest in the ship. Regular civilians enjoy visiting it when it is on tour, but not many visit Evansville just to see the ship unless they have some connection with a veteran. I have commented on this before and continue to believe that if the ship would have a LST Week and make it honoring Korean War Vets or Vietnam Vets they could boost the attendance. To continue to present the ship as a WWII ship rather than really advertising it just as much for the LSTs that served in Korea and Vietnam I fear the interest of the latter vets will wean. I know they claim to do that, but their actions and commentary I read dispute it.
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 Topics Author  Date      
 LST 325    
Buddy LST 1126 1/25/2012 9:48 pm CDT
 RE: LST 325   new  
WE 1/26/2012 8:35 am CDT
 RE: LST 325   new  
Buddy LST 1126 1/26/2012 2:07 pm CDT
 RE: LST 325   new  
Jim Craven 1/26/2012 6:44 pm CDT
 RE: LST 325   new  
Buddy LST 1126 1/27/2012 10:01 am CDT
 RE: LST 325   new  
Sabrina Dawber 2/19/2012 5:20 pm CDT
 RE: LST 325   new  
Buddy LST 1126 2/20/2012 9:26 pm CDT
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On May 21, 2005 a monument was unveiled in Seneca, Illinois, dedicated to all the workers, who built 157 LSTs at the Seneca “Prairie Shipyard” as well as all those who served on any LST during World War II, Korea, and Viet Nam. The monument contains seals of the US Navy, the US Coast Guard, the British LST Association, and the sponsoring organization, the Illinois LST Association. The monument contains a sculpture of an LST on top of the gray marble center section. On the two flanking black marble sections are etchings of an LST being launched, an LST beached and unloading its cargo of tanks, and a woman shipyard welder. On the sides of the black sections all 157 LSTs constructed at Seneca are listed The monument stands in Crotty Park in Seneca, on property adjacent to the old Chicago Bridge and Iron shipyard. Approximately 500 people from all over the country and Great Britain attended the dedication. After the dedication, approximately 200 of those in attendance gathered together for a catered lunch. About 27,000 people worked at the shipyard during World War II. A number of those and/or their descendants attended the ceremony. They are rightly proud of their contribution to the war effort, as is the city of Seneca, Illinois, the home of the “Prairie Shipyard”.

During World War 2 there were 1051 LST's (Landing Ship Tank) built to carry troops and supplies to American and Allied troops fighting in Europe and the Pacific theaters. When WW2 ended most of the LST's were scrapped, modified, or given to Navies of other countries. Some remained in service and saw action in Korea, Viet Nam, and even the Cuban Blockade.

A few WW2 type LST's remain in service today, but not in the USA.