Memorial Day 2008

VALPARAISO, Chile (May 15, 2008) Chilean Sailors prepare to raise the American flag during a Chilean and American wreath laying ceremony at the Heroes of Iquique Monument to pay tribute to fallen Sailors of the 1879 Pacific War. The George Washington Carrier Strike Group is conducting a Partnership of the Americas deployment to implement the U.S. Maritime Strategy of cooperation with South American maritime partners to promote interoperability and trust that will ultimately lead to greater hemispheric security.

NEW YORK CITY (May 21, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) steams up the Hudson River during the parade of ships for the 21st Fleet Week New York 2008. More than 4,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen will participate in various community relation projects and have the opportunity to visit popular attractions in New York City.

The above photos are from a U. S. Navy Web Site and are released for appropriate promotion of our United States Navy. Now for a brief History of USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) please read the following which I also consider appropriate for this Memorial Day Celebration.

THE SULLIVANS (DDG-68) is named to honor five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who served together on the USS JUNEAU during World War II. The Sullivan brothers: George, 28; Francis, 27; Joseph, 24; Madison, 23; and Albert, 20; lost their lives during the Battle of Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942. They were adamant about serving together in spite of the Navy wartime policy to separate family members. Surviving the brothers were their parents, Thomas and Alleta, their sister Genevieve, and the youngest brothers wife, Katherine, and their son, James. The family today includes two grandchildren of Albert Sullivan: Kelly Ann Sullivan Loughren and John Sullivan.

I, the Flower Child, encourage everyone to remember the purpose of Memorial Day and to also reflect on the current generation of Heroes who are in Service in the U. S. Military. Thank You!!