Aloha to the USS Missouri - A Legacy of American History

They ain't gonna sink this battleship, no way!

- Old Salt, BATTLESHIP

Yesterday I missed a special anniversary ... on March 31, 1992, the USS Missouri, America's last battleship, retired from active duty during a decomissioning ceremony in Long Beach, CA.

From her website (link),

Born in the midst of World War II, the shipyard workers at Brooklyn’s New York Navy Yard constructed the battleship in time for her launch on January 29, 1944 and commissioning as the USS Missouri on June 11, 1944 with Capt. William M. Callaghan in command.

On September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay aboard the USS Missouri, representatives of the Allied and Axis powers met in solemn ceremony to “conclude an agreement by which peace can be restored”. General MacArthur concluded the ceremony by saying: “Let us pray that peace be now restored to the world, and that God will preserve it always. These proceeding are closed!” With those words, World War II was over.

On 25 June 1950, North Korean forces invaded South Korea.  By mid-September USS Missouri was underway off the coast of Korea, armed and ready to support U.N. forces in the "Police Action" that would become known as the Korean War.

At 0140 (1:40 a.m.) on January 17, 1991, USS Missouri was first battleship to fire Tomahawk cruise missile at Iraqi targets as Operation Desert Storm commenced. The USS Missouri then conducted patrol and armistice enforcement operations in the northern Persian Gulf before sailing for home on March 21, 1991.

But the USS Missouri had one final mission to complete. On December 7, 1991, the Missouri returned to the historic waters of Pearl Harbor for the 50th anniversary commemoration of the attack on the Hawaiian Islands. Moored a short distance from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Missouri and Arizona provide a symbolic connection from the “day which will live in infamy” to the formal ending of World War II.

The Mighty Mo is now a floating museum, permanently moored on Ford Island to stand guard over the USS Arizona Memorial. During our four years in Hawaii, my family enjoyed the USS Missouri:

- Scout overnight encampment with my husband (link)

- Scout overnight encampment with moms (link)

- Eagle Scout ceremony (link)

- Special tour for the premiere of BATTLESHIP (link) 

- My husband sang with the Sounds of Aloha aboard the USS Missouri to commemorate the anniversary of the end of World War II.

Have you visited a historic ship, battlefield, or military museum? One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Sunday, April 9, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Monday, April 10.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Old Salts in the movie BATTLESHIP

Aloha to Cathy Maxwell and The Chattan Curse E-Bundle

On this day in 1945, Japanese officially surrendered to Allied Forces led by General MacArthur, ending the War in the Pacific.   The surrender took place aboard the USS Missouri.   Today, the Mighty Mo is a floating museum in Pearl Harbor. She stands guard over the sunken USS Arizona - a "bundle" a ships which represent the beginning and end of WWII for the United States.  I am grateful that our time in Hawaii gave me the opportunity to explore the Mighty Mo and pay tribute to the USS Arizona.

I often write about historical author Cathy Maxwell.  I enjoy her books - THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT drew me into the magical world of romance books.   Cathy is joy to hear on panels.  But Cathy rocks because she is a Navy Veteran.   She married a Navy man.   She is now a Coast Guard mom.

Cathy (right) with Elizabeth Hoyt and Vicky Dreiling at RWA 2012

It is my pleasure to promote Cathy today as she celebrates a special  e-bundle from her latest series, The Chattan Curse - available September 3 from Avon.    The e-bundle includes LYON'S BRIDE (Book 1) and THE SCOTTISH WITCH (Book 2).

Two great full-length novels in The Chattan Curse series together in one set from NY Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell. Includes never before seen "behind the book" info, photos from the author, and a sneak peek to her next series The Brides of Wishmore.

Fans of Karen Hawkins, Sabrina Jeffries, and Eloisa James will enjoy these utterly romantic and unforgettable books set in Regency England and Scotland.

Lyon's Bride

They call him Lord Lyon…proud, determined and cursed. He is in need of a bride, but if he falls in love it's is said he will die. So he seeks a woman to marry without love, hoping to break the curse of the Chattans forever. Enter beautiful Thea Martin—a duke's headstrong, errant daughter and society's most brilliant matchmaker. Years ago, she and Lyon were inseparable, until he disappeared without a word. Now she is charged with finding him his bride—a woman he must not love, for a man Thea could love all too well.

The Scottish Witch

Portia Maclean believes she is beyond love and marriage. Then, one moonlit night, she finds herself swept off her feet by a powerful stranger. But what will he do once he discovers she's betrayed him? Harry Chattan is fighting for his family…he's come to Scotland on the hunt for a witch to break the Chattan curse. Instead, he finds himself bewitched by Portia. Harry has vowed to fight the demons torturing him, but will that battle destroy her as well?

I posted my five star review of LYON'S BRIDE on Amazon (link) and Goodreads (link).  You can also read my original post at this link.  

I posted my five start review of THE SCOTTISH WITCH on Amazon (link) and Goodreads (link).  You can also read my original post at this link.

I am giving away a "bundle" of LYON'S BRIDE and THE SCOTTISH WITCH to one randomly selected commenter.   To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about the first romance book you read.   

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 7, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 8.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

To learn more about Cathy and her books, check out her website at cathymaxwell.com.   You can meet Cathy in person at the following:

Sunday, September 22, 12:30 at the FALL FOR THE BOOK FESTIVAL at George Mason University (link):

History, Mystery and Love: Why Readers Love Historical Romance @ Sherwood Center

The first of two discussions hosted in conjunction with the local chapter of Romance Writers of America, this panel features Joanna Bourne, Donna Dalton, Cathy Maxwell, and Deanna Raybourn.  Moderated by Laurin Wittig.

Sunday, October 6, 3:00 pm, BUNS AND ROSES Romance Tea for Literacy (link), near Dallas, Texas.  Cathy is the keynote speaker.

Guests support literacy while enjoying tea at tables hosted by some of the hottest romance authors from around the country. The Buns & Roses emcee is local celebrity Candace Havens, the entertainment critic for the Dorsey Gang on 96.3 KSCS.

Saturday, October 19, New Jersey Romance Writers' PUT YOUR HEART IN A BOOK (link).  The conference also offers a Literacy Book Fair that is open to the public:

New Jersey Romance Writers is happy to once again be hosting a Literacy Book Fair and Author Signing at the conclusion of our Put Your Heart in a Book Conference. Open to the Public, the Book Fair will take place Saturday, October 19, 4:00-5:30 pm.

Cathy's keynote speech from the RWA National Convention is available online at this link.