City of Seattle - Seattle City Council
PROCLAMATION
November 6, 2001
WHEREAS, November 6th marks the third anniversary of the Kalakala's successful and triumphant return to her home in Puget Sound, a heroic rescue - against considerable odds in a seemingly impossible situation - that serves as an inspiration of what is achievable by sheer human willpower; and
WHEREAS, The Kalakala was originally conceived and engineered as a shining vision of progressive and enlightened future, and brightened the spirits of Seattle's Depression-weary citizens, by posing the possibility of far better times; and
WHEREAS, Because Seattle built something never before seen, the Kalakala came to be a world-renowned symbol of our community, representing our imagination, our creativity and the boldness of our pioneering spirit; and
WHEREAS, When it was built, the Kalakala - the world's first streamlined vessel, and the first civilian ship in the world to navigate with radar - was a practical demonstration of the highest technology available at the time, setting a course for Seattle's reputation for innovative technological developments, which we still enjoy today; and
WHEREAS, The Kalakala is a silver thread that ties generations together - from fond memories of sweethearts dancing on moolight cruises, to the joy on the faces of their very own grandchildren visiting the restoration today - which helps to weave and strengthen the fabric of our community; and
WHEREAS, The restoration of the Kalakala has been supported by the generosity of thousands of Seattle citizens - inspired by the opportunity to recover this wonderful piece of our past and let it serve as a place for community and family events - who have contributed thousands of hours and dollars; and
WHEREAS, The Seattle City Council values community-building, innovation, dedication, inclusion, and bold vision, and wants to express its admiration for the Kalakala Foundation's work to rehabilitate "The Workhorse of Puget Sound;"
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED BY THE SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, THE MAYOR CONCURRING, that we look forward to the successful completion of the Kalakala's restoration, and to the day when her silver hull shines on the emerald green of Puget Sound, serving our community once again; and we commend the Kalakala Foundation, and Peter Bevis, its founder and President, for creating a vision for the restoration that not only honors history and supports tourism in our city, but also provides for cultural and family activities that serve to bind our citizenry together.
