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During our reunion in Charleston, SC in September 2006, a Memorial Service was held. It was a beautiful, sunny day. The Service was held on the Hanger Deck of the Navy Carrier USS Yorktown berthed at Patriots Point. The ceremony began with the Color Guard entrance accompanied by the National Anthem, a reading, and then a homily by Chaplain Harold Syfrett who related to his USS Yorktown history. Next, we proceeded with the memorial by ringing the Ships Bell. |
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Each deceased shipmate, in turn, was called by name. As the Ships Bell was rung in his honor, a carnation was inserted into the Memorial Wreath. The Vesole sailor inserting the flower saluted and returned to his place. Sixty Two Vesole shipmates were honored. After the wreath ceremony we removed one carnation from the wreath, then carried it to the side of the Yorktown. The carnation was piped overboard with a Bosun's pipe. When the carnation hit the water, a dolphin came up and carried the carnation below the surface. Then there was a group hand salute as the rifle squad fired and Echo Taps was played. We finished by singing the Navy Hymn "Eternal Father". A Bagpipe played “Amazing Grace” during the Recessional. The assembled shipmates and spouses had a sense of peace after the service ******************************************************** Keep a firm hand on the rudder, Chaplain Bill
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