The U.S.S. Juneau (CL-52)’s silver service will be unveiled this Valentine’s Day, the 74th anniversary of its christening of the Juneau which tragically sank during World War Two.
The silver was purchased in 1941 by milk money from school children, donations by firefighters and the efforts of the Juneau community, an effort led by Ina Lucas, then Juneau mayor Harry Lucas’s wife. The silver has been brought out for the christening of the two subsequent Juneau ships, remained on board of the last Juneau ship for a time until it was decommissioned and then went into storage at a U.S. Navy facility in San Diego. Through the efforts of Donna Hurley and the Mendenhall Flying Lions Club, the Navy allowed the silver to be on loan to the Juneau-Douglas City Museum for display. The silver has remained under wraps with no photos allowed until the special unveiling ceremony.
The reception will take place at the Juneau-Douglas City Museum from 12-4 p.m. on Feb. 14. This event is being hosted by the Mendenhall Flying Lions Club.
