Should HAL remember the Great White Fleet?

[billroddy]

100 years ago, 1908-1909, Teddy Roosevelt sent the Great White Fleet around the world.
Why couldn't HAL remember this Centennial when the Rotterdam sails around the world Jan 19, 2009? There would be great promotional opportunities and the ship could have displays and lectures.
I would consider it a Goodwill Cruise, although Teddy may have not thought of it that way in 1908.
To augment that thought shore excursions should bring people together. Instead of just going to monuments, why not go to schools, hospitals, and orphanages?
With a new president and the need for a new look at America this could be a part of it.
Bill
The owner of the link below described the voyage as "Changing the way other nations viewed America, the
Great White Fleet visited the other nations of the world on a diplomatic mission of peace.
More on the fleet
http://www.greatwhitefleet.info/index.html

[bepsf]

Perhaps because the Great White fleet was comprised primarily of US Navy ships to generate goodwill for the US and it's military.

Just as it would have been inappropriate for other countries naval fleets or merchant ships to participate in any manner other than as supply ships for what was essentially a US Military exercise, it would be inappropriate for HAL or any other cruiseline to participate.

[leoandhugh]

And even though HAL passengers on a World Cruise are not a young group by any stretch of the imagination, I wonder how many would remember the Great White Fleet or even care about it.

[Atomica]

I have to agree that I don't think it would be appropriate or in HAL's mandate. It might come off a bit like having British Airways go on a goodwill flight on behalf of Italy: people wouldn't get it.

Wouldn't it be better if the current US Navy did this as opposed to a cruiseline?

[BruceMuzz]

I didn't know that Teddy Roosevelt was Dutch??!??!!

You learn something new every day on these boards..........................

[hammybee]

And even though HAL passengers on a World Cruise are not a young group by any stretch of the imagination, I wonder how many would remember the Great White Fleet or even care about it.

Heard just the other day that there are only 2 U.S. soldiers alive from WW1.