Day 5 Thursday

DESA Seal

Day 1
Sunday, Sept 9

Day 2
Monday, Sept 10

Day 3
Tuesday, Sept 11

Day 4
Wednesday, Sept 12

Day 5
Thursday, Sept 13

Thursday September 13

Thursday marked the closing of the convention.
The 26th Annual Memorial Service was held to honor the crewmembers lost in action on DEs and all deceased DE crewmembers. Tom Gruber, Vice President, presented the Roll of Honor of Lost Destroyer Escorts:

USS Leopold DE-319
USS Holder DE-401
USS Donnell DE-56
USS Fechteler DE-157
USS Rich DE-695
USS Fiske DE-143
USS Shelton DE-407
USS Samuel B. Roberts DE-413
USS Eversole DE-404
USS Frederick C. Davis DE-136
USS Oberrender DE-344
USS Bates DE-68/APD-47
USS Underhill DE-682
USS Roche DE-197
USS Solar DE-221
17 British DEs

A bell tolled as each ship name and number of crewmembers lost was presented. A ribbon inscribed with the ship's name was placed on a display table in the formal ceremony. Surviving crewmembers or DESA directors placed the ribbons.
When the last ribbon was in place, Taps was played by William Burkholder, USS Bostwick DE-103.

Wreath and Flag Display

Click To Enlarge

The final event of the convention occured Thursday evening as attendees enjoyed a grand gala. President Kidd introduced the new DESA Board of Directors and Ladies Auxiliary Directors. He presented an award of recognition to Phyllis Gruber for her dedication as past-president of the Ladies Auxiliary.

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