Farewell to SS United States Supporter Walter Cronkite

It is with great sadness that the SS United States Conservancy learned of the passing of Walter Cronkite, who served as honorary chair of the Conservancy’s Advisory Council. He also appeared in the recent documentary film, SS United States: Lady in Waiting, produced by Big Ship Films with support from the Conservancy. Mr. Cronkite was a great admirer of the SS United States and expressed his sorrow and outrage at the ship’s current condition, calling her neglect a “crime against history.”

Mr. Cronkite will be honored by the Conservancy in Martha’s Vineyard on August 12th at a special fillm screening of Lady in Waiting. Event information is provided below, and further details on the special tribute to Mr. Cronkite will be forthcoming.

“Walter Cronkite was an American original, just like the SS United States,” said Conservancy President Susan Gibbs, whose grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the vessel. “He made several trans-Atlantic crossings, including a memorable one in 1953 to cover Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The SS United States Conservancy remains grateful for his steadfast support.”

The SS United States Conservancy’s board of directors and advisory Council express their deepest sympathy to Mr. Cronkite’s family, friends, and colleagues. He will be missed.