Emmons Memorial April 6th, 2001

 

Date: Friday, April 06, 2001 9:21 AM
Fwd: Emmons Memorial - April 6th, 2001
From: John Chandler

Dear Edwin and all of Emmons Crew,

I just returned from our Memorial Service for the Emmons and her Crew. Attached you will photographs of our Memorial to you and your ship taken during the service.

Captain John Green USN, Commanding Officer of Fleet Activities Okinawa, assisted by his Chaplain, representatives from both the VFW and American Legion here on Okinawa paid a wonderful tribute to the efforts and memory of those who toiled her for freedom and gave their full measure. In the photos you will see a wreath laying by the VFW, Captain Green giving his remarks, TAPs being sounded for Emmons and those who went down with her, and Mr Rich Ruth offering a ceremonial toast of Rum to Emmons and her crewYou will also see a picture of RIch and I reading off the names of those who are listed as KIA and MIA just after the wreaths were laid over Emmons.

. I gave some remarks on behalf of the Emmons Survivors Association thanking everyone of the 25 people who accepted Captain Green's invitation to the Memorial Service. It was a very nice ceremony that was videotaped by the American Forces Television Network and several other folks. Everyone is committed to getting you a copy of the tape out this week. I hope these photographs begin to portray the respect we have for you and your ship. We thank you for all the help you have given us.

Photo #1: VFW laying a wreath assisted by Captain Green on the left and I am on the right side
Photo #2 Rich Ruth and I laying reading the names of KIA and MIAs
Photo #3 A wreath from the American Legion
Photo #4 The bugler sounding TAPS
Photo #5 Captain Green and his Master Chief
Photo #6 Rich Ruth offering a Rum Toast to the Emmons and her Crew

Semper Fidelis,

John Chandler