The success or failure of the U.S. Coast Guard Museum depends on New London understanding one simple thing. This is not "The City of New London’s U.S. Coast Guard Museum!" It is the U.S. Coast Coast Guard Museum. Its purpose is to draw people from across the nation to see the valor and sacrifice of the men and women of the Coast Guard.

After reading The Day's articles “Coast Guard Museum fundraising off to a slow start in 2017” (June 18) and “More input on Coast Guard museum” (June 23), it's apparent the effort is in trouble. The city's plan to place the museum in downtown New London is being driven by misguided judgment that it will bring more tourist dollars and business downtown. What plan have the city fathers provided to bring people downtown? They should have looked at the blueprint used by Portsmouth, N.H. and how they transformed their city into a destination that attracts tourists. The most glaring problem is parking. The perfect spot is Fort Trumbull, you have space and the historic fort. It's time to put on your big boy pants and do the right thing! 

James L. Miller

Salem