Memorial Day

On occasion, I have focused on the adventures of famous mariners. Today I would like to talk about some "not so famous" mariners that never made the history books by name, but certainly made history.

In the wake of Memorial Day, Veterans organizations all over the country continue to help us remember those who made history serving our country. However, as time passes, the memory of each individual slowly fades, as there are fewer and fewer of us who knew those veterans.

What does this column have to do with Veterans Day? Contemporary mariners all have a few things in common with the sailors that served us in the US Navy. We have all maintained our course, but for different destinations. We have all run aground, but without the same consequences. We have all had mechanical problems, but not always due to enemy fire. Yes, we have all been underway, some of us in the lap of luxury, others burdened by the fear and torment of war.

Some time ago, I was talking with two friends who, like I, served four years in the US Navy. We spoke of an Internet web site listing the names of the crew of one of two ships that I served aboard. While I served in the late sixties and early seventies, I spent two years on a ship that was active in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam.

One friend in the conversation served on the USS Springfield, also a WWII ship. He was not aware that such web sites existed. I offered to look his ship up on the Net. During my search, I found a person to contact about the ship's reunion for the crew of the Springfield.

I looked up several other ships. There were countless crewmembers listed, some of whom were deceased. There were contacts on behalf of the deceased sailors (usually their sons). In the case of some, the Internet came after their passing, and no one is left to add them to their crew list.

I was struck at that moment about how the wartime service of millions of courageous men and women can eventually be reduced to "one line" on the Internet, an old photo, or to memorabilia stored in an attic. These brave and selfless men and women of all branches of service and civilian posts sacrificed much in an effort to maintain our freedom and way of life.

It is sad to think that many veterans who endured so much may not be remembered "by name" by anyone. Some gave their lives, others came home with disabilities, but at a minimum, they all carry the memories of a terrible part of history.

Actor Tom Hanks was active in promoting the construction of a long overdue National WWII Memorial. He talked about the factory worker, the farm boy, the kid down the block -- ordinary people that rose to the occasion, did their best, and preserved our freedom. Thanks to them, among other things, we can relax on our boats without a care in the world.

I urge you to remember our fallen mariners that paved the way for us. It's never too late to say THANK YOU and to help the veterans groups to keep their memory alive.

Until next time, I wish you clear skies, fair winds, and calm seas!