Destroyer Escort Day pays homage to the
Destroyer Escort sailors killed in World War II, Korea
and Vietnam and to the Destroyer Escorts lost in action.
This day of honor includes those who served in DEs, APDs
and FFs.
The first Destroyer Escort Day was held at the Intrepid
Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City on June 16,
1990. The third Saturday in June is now recognized and
celebrated by the National Destroyer Escort Sailors
Association, Destroyer Escort Historical Museum and all
of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association Chapters
nationwide.
Each chapter prepares
and conducts its own program to honor the ships and
crews. Numerous Governors issue Proclamations naming the
third Saturday of June as Destroyer Escort Day. The
first Proclamation was issued on Saturday, June 20, 1998
by Governor George E. Pataki.
On
Friday June 20, 2008, DE
sailors were remembered and honored, as
well as remembering those who have sailed their final
seas, in a service aboard USS SLATER DE-766 in Albany,
NY.
The
Garden State Chapter of New Jersey held its annual DE Day memorial
service Saturday June 21, 2008 at the USS SOLAR DE-221 Memorial at the Naval
Weapons Station Earle in Leonardo, NJ.
A USS UNDERHILL DE 682
survivor remembers his lost shipmates
View
Many More Photos from the Garden State Chapter DE Day
Service
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Those killed on destroyers saluted
By Tom Caprood, The Record
www.troyrecord.com
Members of the USS
Slaters salute those who have passed. Tom Killips -
The Record, ALBANY
A number of elected
officials gathered aboard the nation’s sole floating
destroyer Saturday to celebrate Destroyer Escort Day, an
annual ceremony to honor those lost aboard the ships that
defended convoys of men and naval supplies from attacks
by kamikaze air attacks and Nazi U-boats through our
nation’s history.
U.S. Navy veterans paid tribute to the destroyer escort
sailors who were killed in World War II, Korea and
Vietnam, as well as the ships that were lost in action,
by dropping a red, white or blue carnation into the
Hudson River from the stern of the USS Slater, the city’s
historic destroyer escort museum.
“These valiant men, more than 1,300 strong, gave their
lives so that we all might live in freedom,” said Mayor
Gerald Jennings. “That is why it’s so important that we
never forget what they did for us and why the USS Slater
is such an important symbol of their time and of their
sacrifice.”
Jennings recalled seeing the ship pulled up to the city’s
dock 11 years ago and wondering what he had gotten
himself into as he stared at the once rust-covered ship
before watching undergo a tremendous transformation over
the years into the fully restored condition it sits in
today.
“Thanks to the thousands of volunteer work hours put in,
the USS Slater stands as a legacy for the sacrifice made
by our sailors during the greatest war in world history,”
said Jennings.
U.S. Rep. Michael McNulty, D-Green Island, first
recognized his father, Jack McNulty, who was in the
audience, as a World War II veteran before commending
Jennings and all of the volunteers who had worked to
bring the USS Slater to its current condition.
“It’s important for me to remember that had it not been
for all of the men and women who served in the United
States military through the years, the rest of us
wouldn’t be able to go around bragging about how we live
in the freest and most open democracy on Earth,” said
McNulty.
Mike Russo, a representative for U.S. Rep. Kirsten
Gillibrand, was also on hand to participate in the
ceremony.
“Today we have the
opportunity to not only honor all the Navy personnel who
served through the years on destroyer escorts but also
the chance to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all
those who have served our country and continue to serve
today,” said Russo.
Assemblyman Jack McEneny, D-Albany, said that he felt
honored to remember the sailors who made the supreme
sacrifice for our nation and also noted how valuable the
USS Slater had become as a local historical resource for
young people.
“They get to experience the sounds, smell and feel of the
USS Slater, bringing an element of reality that no formal
monument or letters in a book are going to convey to
them,” said McEneny.
Albany County Executive Michael Breslin and Rensselaer
County Executive Kathy Jimino also spoke briefly about
honoring the heroics of crews who served on destroyer
escorts, as well as the important role the ships played
in protecting the nation’s ships.
The first Destroyer Escort Day was held at the Intrepid
Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York City on June 16,
1990.
The third Saturday in June is now recognized and
celebrated by the National Destroyer Escort Sailors
Association, Destroyer Escort Historical Museum and all
of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association chapters
nationwide.
DE Day Proclamation
- Maine
Friday June 20, 2008 -
Gov. John E. Baldacci shakes hands with John Dube, a
World War II veteran from Jay, before presenting a
proclamation naming June 21, as Destroyer Escort Day
throughout the state. By statute, the governor issues a
proclamation naming the third Saturday in June of each
year as Destroyer Escort Day.
Courtesy of
http://www.sunjournal.com
DE Day Proclamation
- Michigan
Whereas, During World War II, destroyer
escorts were a special class of fighting ships capable of
performing an impressive variety of duties even though
they were lightly armed and had little protection from
enemy fire; and,
Whereas, Destroyer Escorts were successful in completing
a wide range of combat assignments, including
anti-submarine duty, convoy escorts, shore bombardments,
and search and rescue missions; and,
Whereas, Today, the Destroyer Escorts are remembered for
being one of the most versatile and useful ships in
recent history; and,
Whereas, The citizens of Michigan have tremendous pride
in our servicemen who courageously served aboard
Destroyer Escorts during World War II, the Korean War,
and the Vietnam War; and now therefore be it,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the
State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 21, 2008, as
Destroyer Escort Day in Michigan, and I encourage the
citizens of Michigan to reflect on the contributions of
Destroyer Escorts and the gallant bravery of those who
proudly served aboard these magnificent ships.
DESA hopes that each of you had a happy DE Day. We
salute you and remember those crewmembers lost in
service. Read the DE
Roll of Honor.
On Saturday, June 19, 2004, Destroyer Escort Sailors across the nation were honored. Many local DESA Chapters
held ceremonies honoring DE sailors as well as remembering those who have sailed their final seas.
One such Chapter was the Capital District, CAP-DESA, located in Albany, New York. This information was submitted by Bob Donlon SOG 3/c, USS ROBERT F. KELLER DE-419.
The DE DAY Memorial Observance program below was held on Saturday June 19, 2004 at 0930 hours aboard the USS SLATER DE-766.
Guests:
Master of Ceremony - CAPT Greg Krawczyk, USNR
DEHF Officials - Frank Lasch, President; Dr. Martin Davis, Vice-Chairman; RADM Paul J. Czesak, NYNM (Ret), Vice President
Honorable Gerald D. Jennings - Mayor of Albany
Honorable Ronald Canestrari - Assemblyman-106th Assembly District
Honorable Robert G. Prentiss - Assemblyman-109th Assembly District
Honorable Michael G. Breslin - Albany County Executive
Honorable Kathleen M. Jimino - Rensselaer County Executive
Robert F. Cross - Commissioner City of Albany Dept. of Water & Water Supply, Chairman, Albany Port District Commission
MAJ Willard F. Lochridge, IV - NYNM CMDR MEBS
Award Recipients:
CW04 Charles Marshall
BM2 Elizabeth Spain
Richard Smith, USS EVARTS DE-5
Raymond Lammers, USS TATUM APD-81
Order Of The Day:
Musical Selections - Robert Ditton, Piper Albany Police Pipes & Drums
City of Albany Welcome - Mayor Gerald D. Jennings and Commissioner Robert F. Cross
Presentation of Colors - USS SLATER Color Guard
Lawrence G. Williams EM2
National Anthem - USS SLATER 1MC Sounds
Jerry Jones, ET1
Invocation - CDR Earle E. Flatt, USNR (Ret)
What is DE Day - Dr. Martin Davis, Vice-Chairman, DEHM
Award Presentation - RADM Paul J. Czesak, NYNM (Ret) and
MAJ Willard F. Lochridge, IV, NYNM CMDR MEBS
Recipients:
CW04 Charles Marshall
BM2 Elizebeth Spain
Richard Smith, USS EVARTS DE-5
Raymond Lammers, USS TATUM APD-81
Memorial Tribute & Roll Call - CAPT Greg Krawczyk, USNR
DE’s & APD’s lost in service, with tolling of ship’s bell as a carnation is dropped off the SLATER’s stern for each ship lost.
Amazing Grace - Robert Ditton, Piper, Albany Police Pipes & Drums
Rifle Salute - Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association
Tom Sawyer
Slater Gun Salute - USS SLATER ( K-gun )
Erik Collin
TAPS - Steve Stella, Bugler, Albany Police Dept.
Navy Hymn - USS SLATER 1MC Sounds
Jerry Jones, ET1
Benediction - CDR Earle E. Flatt, USNR (Ret)
Closing Remarks - Frank Lasch, President DEHM
Retire Colors - USS SLATER Color Guard
Lawrence G. Williams EM2
The first Destroyer-Escort Day Memorial was held at the Intrepid Sea-Air Space Museum in New York City on June 16, 1990. Destroyer Escort Day pays homage to the
Destroyer-Escorts/APD sailors killed in WW II, Korea and Vietnam and to the Destroyer-Escort/APD’s lost in action. As the name of each of the sixteen ships lost during the war
is read off, the ship’s bell is tolled and a Destroyer Escort veteran drops a red, white or blue carnation into the waters of the Hudson River from the stern of the USS SLATER
DE-766.
The Destroyer Escort Roll of Honor contains the names of shipmates who did not survive the combined efforts of Allied Forces to restore peace to a war-torn world. Represented
are 120 ships. They are heroes who gave their lives in combat, accident or illness, in service to their country. We were together once, part of a crew serving in the DE Navy
during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. We were all there. These gallant sailors were with us once, but not long enough. Out of a sense for duty and faith in our country, they
protected the life and liberty of all Americans and deserve the proper recognition for their service and sacrifice. They paid the highest price for peace, part of the terrible
cost of war, never to enjoy the fruits of victory. These brave US Navy and Coast Guard sailors are honored with their ships. They are also enshrined in the hearts of all who
knew them. May these noble men rest in peace they so richly deserve, until we all sail together again.
The third Saturday in June is now recognized and celebrated by the National Destroyer-Escort Sailors Association, Destroyer-Escort Historical Museum and all of the
Destroyer-Escort Sailors Association Chapters nationwide. Each chapter prepares and conducts it own program to honor the ships and crews. Governor George E. Pataki’s
Proclamation naming the third Saturday of June was issued on Saturday June 20, 1998.
Special thanks to CAP-DESA members that participated; Paul Albertine, USS RUCHAMKIN DE-228, Bob Callender, USS KYNE DE-744, Dick Cromer, USS WHITEHURST DE-634, Doc Dachenhausen,
USS LOESER DE-680, Dr. Martin Davis, USS PETTIT DE-253, Bob Donlon, USS ROBERT F. KELLER DE-419, John Fautz, US ARMY SIGNAL CORPS, Donald Justus, USS SLATER DE-766, Don Kruse,
USS UNDERHILL DE-682, Ray Lammers, USS TATUM APD-81, Ron Mazure, USS SKILL MSO-47, “Stan” McMillan, USS BULL DE-693, Bob Nolte, USS FISKE DE-143, “Hank” Rizzo, USS HASE DE-158,
Sam Saylor, USS CONNOLY DE-306, Bill Scharoun, USS OSMUS DE-701, Dick Smith, USS EVARTS DE-5, Larry Williams, USS SNOWDEN DE-246 and guests Mike Brennan, John DiGiorgio, Jack
Prendergast and Ronald Tousignant.
CAP-DESA Auxiliary members present: Betty Ringanese, President, Helen Andersen, Treasurer, Joanne Albertine, Shain Davis, Dot Everin, Mary Alice Kruse, Judy McMillan, Mary C.
Smith and guests Annette Beauchaine, Lynn Donlon, Mary L. Donlon, Dot Gerrish, Marion Rizzo and Geri Scharoun.
Hank Rizzo has donated the flowers for this and previous years. Thanks Henry ! CAP-DESA also provided quality music from a bagpiper, Robert Ditton, Piper from the Albany Police
Pipes and Drums.
Like New York, many other states have enacted legislation designating the third Saturday in June as DE Day. The
States of Georgia and Michigan are but two examples.
Gov. John Baldacci proclaims June 19, 2004 Destroyer Escort Day
March 25, 2004
AUGUSTA - Governor John Baldacci has proclaimed June 19 as Destroyer Escort Day. Destroyer Escort Day observes and recognizes the tremendous valor and bravery of the sailors who
served on Destroyer Escorts and those who lost their lives during WWII, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War.
The proclamation of Destroyer Day came at the request of Rep. Dick Mailhot, D-Lewiston and the Northeast Chapter of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association. The signing of the
proclamation took place in a State House ceremony. Senator Peggy Rotundo, D-Androscoggin, Rep. Dick Mailhot, D-Lewiston, Commander Normand Demers, of Lewiston and Andy
Durisko and Jack Cody of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association were all in attendance.
Destroyer Escorts were designated as anti-submarine vessels, which provided both lifelines and protection for convoys, aircraft carriers and other larger ships. These Destroyer
Escorts were used extensively in surface to air battles, surface to surface combat, shelling shores for invasion and many other assignments including rescue missions.
More than 150,000 Navy and Coast Guard sailors served on Destroyer Escorts, including 1,500 from Maine. Destroyer Escorts played a crucial role in the defense of our country. In
WWII these small and highly maneuverable ships were responsible for sinking 58 enemy submarines and numerous aircraft. Service on these ships was particularly dangerous and
difficult. Sailors aboard Destroyer Escorts frequently experienced shortages of fresh water, produce and meat as well as extremely tight quarters.
The Destroyer Escort Sailors Association was formed in 1975 to honor the valiant men who served on these ships and to perpetuate the memory of the brave men who made the
ultimate sacrifice in carrying out their duties. The Northeast Chapter was organized in 1996 to bring together those who had served aboard these ships and were from this area of
the country.
“It is fitting to recognize the thousands of valiant men, many of whom were from Maine, who served gallantly on Destroyer Escorts through WW II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean
Conflict. It is appropriate that we should pause each year to reflect upon these great vessels of the past and their crews who fought for freedom on the oceans and seas of
the world.” - Destroyer Escort Sailors Association.
Michigan
Whereas, During World War II, Destroyer Escorts were a special class of fighting ships capable of performing an impressive variety of duties even though they were lightly armed and had little protection from enemy fire; and,
Whereas, Destroyer Escorts were successful in completing a wide range of combat assignments, including anti-submarine duty, convoy escorts,
shore bombardments, and search and rescue missions; and,
Whereas, Today, the Destroyer Escorts are remembered for being one of the most versatile and useful ships in current history; and,
Whereas, The citizens of Michigan have a tremendous amount of pride in our servicemen who courageously served aboard Destroyer Escorts during
World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War; and now therefore be it,
Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2004, as Destroyer Escort Day in Michigan and I encourage the citizens of Michigan to remember Destroyer Escorts and the gallant bravery of
those who proudly served aboard these magnificent ships.
Copyright © 2004 State of Michigan
DESA hopes that each of you had a happy DE Day. We Salute you. WELL DONE!
