Norfolk, Virginia. October 12, 2005. A U. S. Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Hersey, a trumpet player from the Armed Forces School of Music, plays Taps during the 5th anniversary memorial ceremony for the Sailors killed during the infamous attack on the guided missile destroyer USS Cole October 12, 2000. The ceremony was held at the USS Cole Memorial to commemorate the 5th anniversary of the bombing in Yemen, which claimed the lives of 17 crew members. Photo by Journalist Seaman Christopher Okula (Released).

USS Cole (DDG 67)

Terrorist Trial Abandoned

Did Heroes Die in Vein?

or

Have Survivors Been Betrayed?

VALLETTA, Malta (March 9, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) USS Cole pier side in Valletta. U.S. Navy photo (Released) Please note the bouys which are the top of a security shield placed in the water to protect this U. S. Navy ship as he visits Valletta, Malta during a 2008 deployment.

Norfolk, Va. (Dec. 6, 2006) - Guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) pulls into port after returning to Naval Station Norfolk. Cole, part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (IWO ESG), returned after completing a six-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) 5th Fleet and U.S. European Command (EUCOM) 6th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR) to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and assist in the evacuation of American citizens out of Lebanon. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lolita Lewis (RELEASED)

Another image of this great Warship as she returns from a deployment as described above. This proud ship and her crew certainly deserve our Thanks and Gratitude for yet another job/deployment Well Done!!!!!

Gulf of Aden (Aug. 29, 2006) – The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) underway patrolling the Gulf of Aden as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG). Cole deployed from her homeport of Norfolk, Va., beginning a regularly scheduled six-month deployed in support of maritime patrol operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy Photo By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher L. Clark (RELEASED)

During my time in the U. S. Navy those who captured photographs to document the work of our Heroes were designated as Photographer's Mates. With the advent of technology they are now known as Mass Communication Specialist.

Gulf of Aden (Aug. 29, 2006) – Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 3rd Class Kevin C. Marks from Deland, Fla., observes the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) underway while conducting flight operations from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHA 7). Iwo Jima recently deployed from her homeport of Norfolk, Va., beginning a regularly scheduled six-month deployed in support of maritime patrol operations and the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy Photo By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher L. Clark (RELEASED)

As you can quickly observe from this view U. S. Navy Destroyers are known as "Small Boys" by the Sailors who serve on Aircraft Carriers and other Large Ships which are escorted by the Destroyer Type vessels.

As I observed the Electronic Media report that our President had directed that the Terrorist Trials for the suspected leader of the Attack on the USS Cole (DDG-67) be suspended/abandoned I could not help but to become upset about this action. Surely the lives of seventeen brave Sailors who volunteered to serve our Country deserve more than this.

The USS Cole was severely damaged in 2000, yet she has been restored and her current crew serves with pride and valor. My concern today is how can the survivors of those who lost their lives during the attack on the USS Cole on October 12th, 2000 be made whole, their hearts restored when our President takes this type of action.

It is my prayer today that future events will correct this great injustice. I know not the method, yet that remains my prayer.

May these dedicated Sailors rest in peace and their Families find comfort in the fact that their Sailor performed in the highest traditions of the U. S. Navy. Each of these Heroes did in fact die while serving their Country, the United States of America.

God's Blessings to these Mourning Families and also a Grateful Nation that respects what these Sailors have done for their Country.