SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, LOWEY: WITH THE 100thANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF WHITE PLAINS ON THE HORIZON, U.S. NAVY SHOULD NAME A SHIP IN CITY’S HONOR
A Number of Area Residents’ Ancestors & Family Members Proudly Fought in the Revolutionary War’s Battle of White Plains in 1776; As a Result, the Navy Previously Named Two Ships “White Plains,” But Both Have Been Decommissioned
2016 Will Mark the 100th Anniversary of White Plains’ Incorporation as a City & the 240thAnniversary of the Battle of White Plains – Schumer, Gillibrand & Lowey Call on Navy to Name New Ship After White Plains
Schumer, Gillibrand, Lowey: Ship Named “White Plains” Would be Fitting Tribute
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Nita Lowey today urged the U.S. Navy to name a ship after the City of White Plains. Schumer, Gillibrand and Lowey explained that the City in Westchester is currently preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its incorporation, as well as the 240th anniversary of the 1776 Revolutionary War’s Battle of White Plains, in 2016 and would be honored to have a ship named “White Plains.” The Senators and Congresswoman said that a number of residents’ ancestors in the White Plains and greater Westchester and Hudson Valley areas proudly fought in this battle, in which George Washington successfully prevented his army from being outmaneuvered and captured by the British. For this reason, two previous Navy ships were named “White Plains.” However they have been decommissioned for years. Schumer, Gillibrand and Lowey said that is exactly why it would serve as a fitting tribute and urged the U.S. Navy to name a new ship in the City’s honor in time for the 100th anniversary in 2016.
“The City of White Plains is understandably proud to be celebrating its 100-year anniversary as a city, as well as its 240thanniversary of the Battle of White Plains – which was one of the many fights during the Revolutionary War that ultimately helped make this country what it is today. To honor the residents’ ancestors and the rich history of this city, two famous Navy ships bore the name ‘White Plains.’ However, they have both been decommissioned for years. That is why I am urging the Navy to name a new U.S. Navy ship in its honor, because it would serve as a fitting tribute to area residents and the city itself for years to come,” said Senator Schumer.
“An active U.S. Navy ship named White Plains is a high honor the City of White Plains, the State of New York and our veterans deserve,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This would be a fitting tribute to the White Plains area veterans who have bravely served this nation as well as those serving today and an outstanding commemoration as the City of White Plains approaches its centennial milestone.”
“White Plains has played a central role in the shaping of our nation and the prosperity of our region. To have an active U.S. Navy ship named after the City of White Plains would be a fitting testament to the city’s place in history, and a distinct honor to mark next year’s centennial celebration. I urge the Secretary of the Navy to bestow the name ‘White Plains’ on a ship responsible for defending the American way of life,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey.
"In 2016, White Plains will celebrate the 100th anniversary of its incorporation as a City,” said White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. “A ship naming has been requested as one way to commemorate this very special occasion, as well as honor the 240th anniversary of the Battle of White Plains in the Revolutionary War. This request is now on its way to the U.S. Navy thanks to White Plains' federal delegation members Schumer, Gillibrand and Lowey, and with their advocacy, we hope to make it a reality."
The City of White Plains will celebrate its 100th anniversary of incorporation as a city in 2016. The year 2016 will also serve as the 240th anniversary of the 1776 Revolutionary War Battle of White Plains, in which George Washington successfully prevented his army from being outmaneuvered and captured by the British. The Battle of White Plains was fought on October 28, 1776, and forced the British to chase the Continental Army through New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For this reason, two previous Navy ships were named “White Plains.” The first was an escort carrier commissioned in 1943, which served in the Philippines during World War II. The second was a combat replenishment vessel, also known as “the Orient Express,” which was commissioned in 1968 and served in Guam and the Persian Gulf. In the late 1980’s it was one of the first Navy ships to have female sailors on board.
Both ships have since been decommissioned, which is why Schumer, Gillibrand and Lowey said it would be a great honor for the City of White Plains on this occasion to have another ship named “White Plains.” Today, White Plains is now a vibrant center for economic development and has experienced tremendous growth as a city-center in Westchester County and in the the Hudson Valley. Schumer, Gillibrand and Lowey said, as we near the City’s 2016 anniversary, the naming of a ship after this symbol of an American city will mean a tremendous amount to all New Yorkers who live in, work in and visit White Plains.
A copy of their letter to the Navy appears below:
Dear Secretary Mabus:
We write in support of the attached request by the City of White Plains, New York, to have a U.S. Navy ship named “White Plains.” The City of White Plains will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016. It would like to commemorate this anniversary, as well as the 240th anniversary of the 1776 Revolutionary War Battle of White Plains, with the honor of having a ship named “White Plains.”
There have been two previous U.S. Navy ships named “White Plains.” The first was an escort carrier commissioned in 1943, which served in the Philippines during World War II. The second was a combat replenishment vessel, also known as “the Orient Express,” which was commissioned in 1968 and served in Guam and the Persian Gulf. In the late 1980’s it was one of the first USN ships to have female sailors on board. Both ships have since been decommissioned. It would be a great honor for the City of White Plains on this occasion, as well as a great tribute to the residents of White Plains who have proudly served their nation in our military, to have another ship named “White Plains.”
As you may know, the Battle of White Plains was fought during the Revolutionary War on October 28, 1776, as part of the New York and New Jersey campaign. General George Washington and the Continental Army moved north from New York City and met British troops in Westchester County attempting to cut off Washington’s northern movements. The general and his troops took the high ground in White Plains, forcing the British to chase the Continental Army through New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
White Plains has since become a vibrant center for economic development and has experienced tremendous growth as a city-center in the Hudson Valley of New York State. As we enter the 100th anniversary of the City of White Plains, the naming of a ship after this symbol of an American city will mean a tremendous amount to all New Yorkers who live in, work in and visit White Plains.
Thank you for considering this request.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator
Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator
Nita Lowey
United States Representative
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