PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The lights were on at the SS United States docked in South Philadelphia Wednesday night, but the colors were red, white and blue. It was a tribute to all those who have battled the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

“The SS United States has always been viewed as a reflection of her nation’s unconquerable spirit. America’s Flagship is a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together toward a common goal. Optimism, strength, ambition, and innovation defined the creation of SS United States. During this time of unprecedented challenges, our nation has yet again embraced those values and persevered against seemingly insurmountable odds.”

Its funnels don’t gleam red-white-and-blue the way they did when SS United States left Newport News Shipbuilding in the summer of 1952 — or even after its last stop there in 1970 — but the work of those shipbuilders mean hopes for a new mission for the liner isn’t an impossible dream.