This scrapbook, compiled by Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, documents the christening and launching of the U.S.S. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., on July 26, 1945, at the Bethlehem Steel Company’s Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts; the United States Navy destroyer was named in honor of Rose’s son, Lt. Joseph P. “Joe” Kennedy, Jr., a naval aviator who was killed in action in 1944. The title on the front cover reads, “U.S.S. Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. / Launched July 26, 1945.” The cover also features a patch with two gold stripes and a gold star above the stripes. Newspaper clippings cover the events of the day, and photographs capture Kennedy family members who were present at the launch, including Rose; her husband, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr.; and her children, Eunice Kennedy, Patricia Kennedy, Jean Kennedy (who served as the ship’s sponsor), and Edward M. “Teddy” Kennedy. Of note are photographs of Boston Mayor Maurice J. Tobin delivering remarks during the launching ceremony; Jean christening the destroyer by breaking a bottle of champagne against its bow; Jean with two “maids of honor,” her cousin, Mary Jo Gargan, and family friend, Mary Carroll Mann, who assisted her in her role as sponsor; and Rose, Joe, Sr., Eunice, Patricia, Jean, Teddy, and Robert F. Kennedy receiving an oil painting of the vessel from Edward C. Geehr, assistant general manager of the shipyard. Also of note is a color chromogenic print of Lieutenant Kennedy wearing his naval uniform. Loose materials found between the leaves of the album include a handwritten note in black ink to Teddy from Kennedy family friends, Edward E. “Eddie” Moore and Mary Moore; four sheets of blank letterhead from Le Domaine de Ranguin in Mougins, France; and a newspaper clipping about lend-lease aid. This scrapbook contains 83 newspaper clippings, 18 photographic prints, four sheets of letterhead, and one handwritten note.