Celebrate World Book Day With "My Grandpa's Battleship Missouri Tour"
Free Read Aloud Story for Keiki Now Available
Pearl Harbor, HI – (April 23, 2020) – Today, the Battleship Missouri Memorial celebrates World Book Day with the release of “My Grandpa's Battleship Missouri Tour,” a heartwarming children’s book by local author Jeff Langacon. Keiki at home can listen to this virtual read aloud story available on YouTube, https://bit.ly/2VtGxur.
The book’s main character Toby Langacon, father to Jeff (author), is both the storybook and real-life Mighty Mo tour guide. In the book, Toby takes his granddaughter’s class on an excursion of the famed battleship and talks about being stationed on the very ship that played a major role in American history.
“I wrote the book as a way to share with my daughters this part of their Grandpa’s personal history, and to encourage other children and parents to ask their own grandparents about their personal histories as well,” said Jeff Langacon.
Toby is a veteran USS Missouri crewmember whose naval career began in 1953. Now retired, Toby calls Hawaii home and serves as one of the Mighty Mo’s beloved tour guides as he spends Wednesday’s on the ship providing special tours.
“One of the most memorable moments on board the Mo was when Fleet Admiral Nimitz came aboard to visit the ship for the last time before decommissioning,” said Toby Langacon. “I had great admiration for him, and it was truly moving to be in his presence.”
Sam, Jeff’s daughter and a character in the book, is now 23 years old, and is currently a 5th grade teacher at St. Andrews Schools, The Prep, and a dance coach and drama teacher at Iolani School. With a family of her own, her son, Ryden, is entering kindergarten and mentioned he “is eagerly awaiting the opportunity for the USS Missouri to reopen so that his Great Grandfather Toby can take him for his first tour.”
To purchase your own copy of My Grandpa's Battleship Missouri Tour, visit our online store and help support the Mighty Mo: https://ussmissouri.org/store/ussm/product/MY-GRANDPAS-MO-TOUR.
Please credit the following images to Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Caption: My Grandpa’s Battleship Missouri Tour children’s book featuring veteran USS Missouri crewmember Toby Langacon.
Link: https://i.imgur.com/kHqrxH2.png
Caption: Toby Langacon started his career as a USS Missouri crewmember in 1953.
Link: https://i.imgur.com/u9vkpVM.png
Caption: Toby Langacon now serves as a tour guide at the Battleship Missouri Memorial.
Link: https://i.imgur.com/WjUXgq5.jpg
Battleship Missouri Memorial
Since opening in January 1999, the Battleship Missouri Memorial has attracted 9-million visitors from around the world with a fascinating tour experience showcasing the USS Missouri’s unique place in history. Located a mere ship’s length from the USS Arizona Memorial, the Mighty Mo completes a historical visitor experience that begins with the “day of infamy” and sinking of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 and ends with Japan’s formal surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.
The USS Missouri had an astounding career over five decades and three wars – World War II, the Korean War, and Desert Storm – after which it was decommissioned and donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Association operates the Battleship Missouri Memorial as a historic attraction and oversees her care and preservation with the support of visitors, memberships, grants, and donations.
The Battleship Missouri Memorial will be closed from March 18 until further notice. We appreciate your understanding as we take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff. For information, visit USSMissouri.org.
Media Contact:
Shere’e Quitevis
(808) 741-1668
Sheree.Quitevis@AnthologyGroup.com
Jaclyn Hawse
(808) 455-1600 ext. 246