Over 200 dignitaries including representatives from The Netherlands, military historians and local officials will gather tomorrow to mark the 70th anniversary of a daring World War II rescue of a Dutch submarine by the U.S.S. Cod. The “Cod” is now an important historical and cultural landmark, located in Cleveland, Ohio.

The celebration of the rescue is supported by AkzoNobel as part of its Human Cities initiative. The aim of the initiative is to improve, energize and regenerate urban communities across the world, and has a particular focus on the preservation of important local heritage sites and landmarks.

“The U.S.S. Cod’s rescue of the 55 sailors on Dutch submarine 0-19 was a remarkable act of heroism,” said Toby Oothoudt, an American of Dutch ancestry whose father was a sailor aboard a U.S. submarine lost in World War II. Oothoudt is vice president and trustee of the non-profit Cleveland Coordinating Committee for Cod, Inc., which maintains the Cod at its docked location on the Cleveland lakefront. “This story is as compelling today as it was back in 1945 and is a reminder of the friendship that exists between the United States and The Netherlands.”

In addition to sponsoring the anniversary weekend activities, AkzoNobel is partnering with the Cod coordinating committee to promote the Cod’s remarkable history and the enduring friendship between the U.S. and The Netherlands.

“AkzoNobel is very proud to support this celebration of naval heroism and international cooperation,” said Johan Landfors, President of AkzoNobel North America. “Under our Human Cities Initiative, we believe heritage needs to be embraced, celebrated and protected. As a Dutch company with a significant presence in North America and Northeast Ohio, our support of the Cod – a National Historic Landmark – is indicative of our commitment to preserving heritage in cities around the world.”

North America is AkzoNobel’s largest market for its performance coatings and specialty chemicals. AkzoNobel’s Marine Coatings business has pioneered the development of market-leading coatings for the shipping industry, for over 130 years.

Paul Farace, president and curator for the Committee for Cod, said, “Cleveland is privileged to have the Cod anchored in Lake Erie. We who work to preserve this submarine as a realistically restored, publicly accessible memorial are grateful for AkzoNobel’s support of our mission and this celebration.”

For more information about AkzoNobel’s partnership with U.S.S. Cod and information on the rescue of Dutch submarine 0-19, please visit the full story page.