Thousands Line Up On Labor Day To Visit Historic WWII Ship
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A line on the North Shore Riverwalk was three times as long as the vessel they were waiting to board on Labor Day.
A World War II landing ship called LST-325 is nearing the end of a seven day visit to Pittsburgh.
"Last time we were in Pittsburgh, we put 17,000 people through the ship," says Ken Frank, president of the LST Memorial non-profit. "We hope to at least match that this year. We actually have to shut the line down a little after 4, because we don't want people to wait in line and then get turned away."
World War II vets didn't have to be assigned to an LST to remember what it could do.
"We go in and get the beach open, right?" says veteran James Nolan. "Then, the LST's come in with the heavy equipment to get the load to the crews."
"When you landed in a place where you couldn't advance any more, you call for support, and up they came," Paul Russo recalls. "They'd give you all they had."
LST-325 survived the invasion of Normandy, and the scrap heap. This floating museum is the only ship of its kind still in existence.
The line extended all the way down the Riverwalk, snaking its way around the Fred Rogers statue. Well over an hour. But visitors say it was worth the wait.
LST-325 will be in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, before embarking for its next port.
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