History of the Los Angeles Chapter
HISTORY OF THE U.S. SUBMARINE VETERANS OF WWII
LOS ANGELES AREA
CHAPTER AND NATIONAL MEMORIAL WEST
AT
SEAL BEACH NAVAL WEAPONS STATION, SEAL BEACH,
CALIFORNIA
DATA
(ORIGINALLY)
COMPILED AND COMPOSED
BY: M. GEORGE KUHN
LOS ANGELES AREA
CHAPTER
NOTE: The original article has been edited and converted for use on the Web Site by Paul Wittmer.
No copies, of any sort, are permitted without express permission of M. George Kuhn and Paul Wittmer.
PREFACE
Much of the data in this history has been compiled
with the
help of Los Angeles Area Chapter members, Torpedo News issues, and
personal
records of the writer.
Many members contributed time, money, materials, and labor
to make the Memorial what it is today. By no means was this ever an
individual
effort, but rather a joint chapter project of both men and ladies
groups.
It would be difficult to include all names of
members
involved in the planning, building, and maintenance of this unique and
outstanding memorial. Should you be one of the many contributors, and
your name
is not included, the everlasting thanks of your fellow submariners go
to you.
Whatever your role, it definitely was needed to complete this memorial
project.
To be certain there were numerous obstacles to
overcome to
even begin this ambitious project. Many compromises had to be met, some
not to
graciously, but by leaps and bounds we moved ahead. As the camaraderie
of a
submarine crew prevailed, so-to did the camaraderie of the Los Angeles
Area
Chapter members.
Often we needed to remind each other of the
purpose of our
illustrious organization. There had never been a doubt from the
beginning to
this day that our purpose, was "To perpetuate the memory of those
shipmates who gave their lives in submarine warfare".
It is our desire that not only this memorial, but
all of our
efforts in this organization is to be directed to this end.
Should there be inaccuracy in this history, it is
unintentional. For the large part, dates and events will be as stated
in this
narrative.
It has been with profound pride and gratitude I
have served
this illustrious organization in many capacities these many years. My
purpose
has been our organization's purpose. May God grant us the strength and
ability
to continue in this endeavor.
May each reader be instilled with the
understanding that it
takes a tremendous amount of work and effort by scores of people, both
in our
organization and in other sectors, to accomplish erecting a memorial of
this
magnitude.
Let us continue our efforts and preserve this
memorial for
as long as our chapter and our organization is in existence.
IN THE BEGINNING
Like many of the early chartered chapters of U. S. Submarine Veterans WWII, Los Angeles Area Chapter, was a spin off from a previously chartered chapter, San Diego. Many of the San Diego members were on active duty and some of these members lived in the Los Angeles area. Members Forest Sterling, Darrel Nelson, Harold Ballenger and others broke from San Diego to form our present Los Angeles Area Chapter in 1960.Early meetings were at member's homes until the
Hollywood
American Legion was procured for meetings. Darrel Nelson was the
spokesman
until Jack Morrison was officially elected as the first chapter
president.
From the American Legion site, meetings were held
for a
short time at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. This proved too expensive,
so
meetings were held again at members homes. This scenario is still in
existence
in many smaller chapters.
Los Angeles Area Chapter finally obtained space to
conduct
meetings at Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, our present home. Since
then, the
Command of the Weapons Station has worked closely with the chapter to
provide
rooms and amenities to conduct meetings and our numerous activities.
They have
given us tremendous support during the years.
With the "New" meeting facilities, membership,
confidence, and ambition rapidly grew. So much so, that the chapter
hosted the
first Southwest Regional Caucus. This at the Fire station Motel in
Garden
Grove, Ca. Although attendance was sparse, it was a rowdy group.
However, this
motel is still standing so the activities were not all that bad.
Not many years after this first caucus the chapter
hosted
their second in 1970 at the Newporter Inn in Newport Beach, Ca. This
caucus was
a great financial success. One of the highlights was an unscheduled
pool party.
It included members of President Nixons' nieces wedding party, who were
also
staying at the Newporter Inn. This drove Nixon FBI Agents wild as many
pool
participants swam that night in unorthodox swimming "apparel".
From this time forth the Los Angeles Area Chapter
established itself as "The Hostest With The Mostest" for great
regionals. Many regionals were to follow, including the 1975 Southwest
Regional
at Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park, CA. This one really launched our
quest for
a memorial and a memorial site. We had fantastic attendance and great
publicity. We brought in 8 new members at the event and 6 more new
members
shortly thereafter. We used the candle ceremony for the first time at
our banquet.
The unique poolside memorial services had hotel guests out on their
balconies
to view this colorful tribute. We also got great press coverage.
This 1975 caucus established a chapter camaraderie
that has
carried forth to this day. It was never more apparent until the Los
Angeles
Area Chapter hosted their first National Convention, the 39th, at
Disneyland
Hotel in 1993. The only unfortunate part is that these tremendous
efforts and
talents were not put to use earlier on a National Convention.
Many of our over 3,000 members who attended the
39th
National Convention, were able to view the U.S. Submarine Veterans
National
Memoria1 West for the first time. It was indeed a viewing visit that
left many
awe-struck. This was a memorial that fulfilled the purpose of our
illustrious
organization, most commented. Part of our purpose had thus been met.
Let us move on then to relate how this magnificent memorial was accomplished.
THE TORPEDO
When discussions were conducted on setting up a
memorial, it
was determined that one prime need would be a torpedo. Since several
chapters
had already erected memorials with a torpedo as the focal point, we
concluded
that our memorial would have one also.
Several attempts were made to obtain a torpedo.
For one
reason or another the attempts failed. Harold Ballenger zeroed in on an
available Mark 14 Torpedo at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, San
Francisco, CA.
Since Harold was a determined individual and a two time past National
President, he used his clout and wile to seal this appropriation.
On 12 March, 1973, Louis & Austin Day pulled
their truck
into Hunters Point, loaded the torpedo aboard, left Hunters Point in
their
wake, and headed south to Los Angeles with their prize firmly bolted on
their
truck. This prize caused plenty of attention as they journeyed on
southbound
freeways to L.A. It was not an easy trip.
Finally they arrived in L.A., and promptly steered
a course
to Al Rupp's home in Carson, Ca. With all hands turning to, our prize
torpedo
was finally wrestled to a backyard-resting place at Rupp's. The Rupp
backyard
was overwhelmed with the torpedo. A decision was made sometime later,
to move
the torpedo. This time to Mickey Foster's residence at nearby Manhattan
Beach,
CA. This maneuver nearly saw the demise of the prize torpedo as the
undersized
loading crane came close to collapsing with it's load. Finally It was
loaded on
Mickey's boat trailer, transported to Manhattan beach, and put to rest
on a
dolly for further work. It was deemed necessary to remove the
protective finish
to put the torpedo in first class condition for a memorial. Weekend
work
parties gathered at Foster's home to sand and polish the torpedo. In
spite of
numerous beer and lunch breaks, the task was completed in due course.
Our next urgent need for our memorial was a bronze
"Lost Boat Plaque". Here again was a task that required some
connections and clout. Harold Ballenger, Ed Kay and others located one
through
Past President Paul Stolpman at Texas. This approximately 15" x 23"
raised letter, bronze plaque was perfect for our memorial needs. Most
important, chapter funds were able to pay the tab.
Now with the torpedo and "Lost Boat Plaque", the
chapter was, ready to put all engines on the line and proceed at flank
speed to
set up our memorial.
The torpedo was to see more glory before retiring
to it's
final resting place a as part of the U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII
National
Memorial West.
Before this goal could be reached, much work lie
ahead. A
number of projects were setup to gain needed publicity and funds for
the
memorial and chapter.
The Huntington Beach 70th annual 4th of July
Parade was
selected as a vehicle to get us public exposure and wow, did it ever.
Mickey
Foster loaded the torpedo aboard his boat trailer, towed it to Fountain
Valley,
and it was dressed up for the parade. What attention along the busy
California
Freeways en-route. Mickey even attracted a police helicopter as an
escort.
Finally they discovered what the "Lethal Weapon" was. Rubber necked
drivers nearly caused collisions gaping at the spectacle.
At Fountain Valley, under directions of float
builder Al
Rupp, the torpedo was dressed up in all it's splendor to join the
parade. It
became a broaching "missile", with a "mermaid" aboard to
guide it through the waves. It's bright shining, warhead glistened in
the sun.
With over 65 men and ladies marching, and a Gold Star Mothers cortege
behind,
it was no wonder it was awarded a first place trophy.
The torpedo did its planned duty. Thousands along
the parade
route cheered and applauded. What a proud group, the marchers became.
From it
all much publicity was gained and best of all, seven more new members
were
brought into the chapter. At parades end, Officials extended an invite
to
participate in the 71st parade in 1975.
Although the torpedo was not used for our
participation in
1975 and the centennial 1976 parade, nonetheless, with the ingenuity of
float
designer Al Rupp and Green Float Co., we received trophies for each
year,
It was a tremendous camaraderie that was
established by the
chapter in these activities. So many pitched in to not only help
construct the
floats but participate in the parades. What a rewarding experience. New
members
were uncovered through both the 1975 and the 1976 parades. Most
important was
that thousands now knew there was a U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII
organization in their area.
Several years before parades, the chapter
established dress
uniforms. This being red jackets, white shirts, black ties, black
trousers and
the "Digger" hat. This proved to be a bright attractive look for our
parade appearances. During parades, memorial services, and other public
appearances, we were recognized as a unique group with our
"uniforms". It set us apart from other veteran's organizations.
The 1976 Centennial Parade, the 72nd, was one of
the
greatest attended of any in the history of the event. Not only was it
televised
on local KCOE, but, national newscasts used portions. Our float got a
five-second spot on CBS. What a break. This float took. boku man hours
to construct
but with great planning it was a piece of cake.
Thousands lined the parade route and thousands
offered their
vocal approval to our float and chapter. The granddaughter of Al Rupp
was our
Betsy Ross and she played it to the hilt in smiling and waving to the
spectators. This would be our last parade appearance. The Seal Beach
memorial
construction and fund raising took precedence. It was sure great fun
while it
lasted.
We would be remiss should we fail to relate some
of the many
fund raising activities involved. Here again, great camaraderie was
established
in this chapter.
FUND RAISING
During a meeting at the home of Chapter President
Bill
Holland, it was determined we not only needed some type of plans for
our
memorial, but we would need to establish some fund raising activities.
Some memorial site plans were submitted for
consideration.
Several were considered to elaborate and consequently to costly.
Several others
had some merit and were within our scope of costs. These discussions
continued for
many months. Since we did not have a memorial site as yet, it was
determined to
concentrate on fund raising. In addition to chapter members, individual
contributions, the chapter would conduct a number of fund raising
projects.
One of the first fund raisers, and another
activity to
publicize the chapter, was the "Nite At The Races" at Los Alamitos
Race Track. The chapter could realize some revenue from this and have a
great
time also. This event proved so popular, the chapter conducted the
activity for
a number of years. There were many more fund raising events.
The ladies gave tremendous support to the fund
raising by
conducting rummage and yard sales. Many hours were spent in conducting
the
sales and even more in preparation. These were very lucrative projects.
Much success, and great fun was realized from the
"Silver Fizz Brunches". The events were conducted at member's homes.
For a "reasonable" tab, brunch, drinks, etc. were available. This was
attended by members as well as by guests. A great time was had by all.
In
addition to the brunch, there was plenty of conversations and often
some type
of game participation. Brunches usually were conducted monthly, but on
occasion
several times a month. People looked forward to the Sunday Brunch. It
proved both
relaxing and a fun time for all.
Members Cecil and Agnes Quarles operated the Del
Mar's
Coffee Shop in Garden Grove, CA. Occasionally they opened the closed
Coffee
Shop on Sunday to have a breakfast fund raiser there. During all these
fund
raising events, the food, drink, etc., was donated by hosts like the
Quarles.
Most of the preparation was done by the hosts, however usually some
chapter
members were there to assist.
On one momentous occasion, we hit upon the idea of
a steak
fry. A steak-fry, where we could sell scores of tickets and entice
participants
with special entertainment as well. Ed and Dottie Kay volunteered the
use of
their backyard, complete with a huge grill and a pool. What a brilliant
endeavor this proved to be. Tables were obtained through the schools as
well as
chairs, plates, table covers and eating utensils. What a spread.
The scheduled activity had scores there before
even the
scheduled starting time. Tables, chairs, etc. were all set up the
previous day
with chapter members all pitching in. Since Ed had a recreation room
with bar,
everyone was able to meander without congestion. The theme being, a Gay
Nineties event, attendees were decked out in appropriate attire. They
even had
a Gay Nineties Quartet to entertain. The entertainment highlight was
the
talented Stice Family Singers. They thrilled us all with a great show.
And what
a setting by poolside.
Previously related fund raising events was just
the tip of
the iceberg. There were oodles more. Regular raffles were held at the
chapter
meetings of donated items. Member Bill Hagendorn constructed a coin
flip
gimmick at our bar to entice contributions with great success.
Christmas Cheer Basket project was a huge
contributor. Lots
of hard working people involved with mailings, ticket selling, and
gift-wrapping, etc.
It must be noted that with all the concentration
for
memorial fund raising, the chapter still raised funds to provide
several annual
scholarships to our National Scholarship Drive.
There was no doubt, this was a truly dedicated
chapter.
During all the Memorial fund raising projects,
efforts were
moving forward to find a suitable site on which we could erect our
torpedo and
"Lost Boat Plaque".
QUEST FOR A MEMORIAL SITE
Since the chapter had been settled with facilities
to
conduct meetings and other activities at Seal Beach Naval Weapons
Station, this
seemed like a logical place to start for our memorial site space.
Base officials were approached to obtain a site at
the Seal
Beach Base. After several negative responses were received, it was
decided we
best try other possibilities. Somehow all our appeals were being shot
down at
the base.
First of possible sites we contacted was Los
Alamitos Naval
Air Station. The station was in close proximity to the Weapons Station
and was
an active and accessible base. From the first meeting with Air Station
officials, they were very receptive to our request. Subsequent meetings
were
also very positive.
Then everything fell apart when the command
advised us that
the Air Station was to be "Deactivated" within the next year.
Personnel and all equipment was to be removed and the Air Station
probably
would close. Well this put us back to square one.
Next possible site location on the agenda was Long
Beach
Naval Base. With chapter member, Captain Statsny, Past Base Commander,
our
hopes for success here were high. Several meetings with base officials
proved
highly positive. Sometime thereafter we were summoned to a meeting. We
were
informed that a memorial site at the pier area would not be possible.
This is
the site where we indicated we would prefer. We had conducted several
Memorial
Day services where U.S. Roncador had been tied up. It seemed like an
ideal
site.
Instead we were taken to a location far from the
active area
of the base, near the hanger for "The Spruce Goose". In relation to
the bases this was in the boondocks. We reserved a decision, thanked
them for
their courtesy, and related we would advise them of our decision later.
In the meantime, information was that a possible
site
"might" be available at Kings Harbor, Redondo Beach CA. The U.S.S.
Roncador was tied up alongside the wharf and was to be refurbished to
allow
visitors aboard to view her.
Some non de-script "organization" had gotten
Roncador towed from Long Beach Naval Base after saving her from a
salvage fate
at San Diego. This group sought our Chapter's assistance to refurbish
Roncador.
Another request presented was for our chapter to underwrite (finance)
their
undertaking. Not only were we financially unable to do this, and we
deemed the
"organization" and it's proposal a "Mickey Mouse" (pardon
me Walt) deal.
The City of Redondo Beach did not have space at
the Wharf
for our memorial site but referred us to the son of Actor Joel McCrea
who owned
the adjacent pier. McCrea put us on hold and several subsequent
attempts proved
futile. So again it was back to square one.
More leg work and research for a site at the Costa
Mesa
Cemetery was another exercise in futility. In spite of this we were not
slacking up. We were more determined than ever to obtain a suitable
memorial
site.
Good luck came our way when a friend heard of our
unsuccessful attempts. He made arrangements to confer with Knotts Berry
Farm
officials for a site adjacent to their newly erected Independence Hall.
Our first meeting was strongly positive, even to
going to
the proposed site and getting their "tentative" OK. The rub was that
final approval rested with the Board of Directors.
Some weeks passed before they summoned us to a
meeting. With
profound apologies we were advised their board had turned down our site
proposal. Their grounds were that "if we were to allow one veterans
organization to erect a memorial on our property all of them would seek
a
site". So where to from here?
MEMORIAL SITE
QUEST
REALIZED
Annually U.S.S. DRUM crewmen hold their reunion at
Mobile,
Alabama. This is the berthing location of DRUM at Battleship Park. The
retired
battleship U.S.S. ALABAMA is also berthed here. This huge park also
contains
aircraft, tanks, guns, and other WWII Memorabilia and memorials.
Yearly,
hundreds of thousands visit this historical park. DRUM crewmen not only
visit
their boat during their annual reunion, but, hold memorial services
aboard her
as the high point of the reunion. You may wonder at this point... What
does
this have to do with the Los Angeles Area Chapter Memorial Site? More
than most
realize.
The L.A. Chapter has many members who attend the
DRUM
reunion. Among them, are Pepper, Alamia, Galas, White, Lamfers, Morgon,
Pridonoff, Hanks, Kuhn, and others. Few people who made war patrols
ever get an
opportunity to board their boat in post war years such as DRUM crewmen.
It is
indeed an experience with mixed emotions. During the 1975 reunion, when
R.
Admiral B.F. McMahon (a DRUM Skipper) attended, our quest was realized.
The camaraderie of DRUM crewmen under McMahons
command in
WWII and the post war years is the type that every crew could only hope
to
have. He was truly a man for all seasons. During a viewing of the
HERRING
memorial with the Admiral and Tony Alamia, we related our unsuccessful
attempts
to obtain a site to erect a Los Angeles Area Chapter Memorial. He was
presented
with all the sad details. He listened. It need be noted here that R.
Admiral
McMahon of Virginia Beach, VA., had spent many of his post WWII career
years at
Washington, D.C. and also after his Navy retirement, His "Navy World"
knowledge was thorough. The Admiral related his belief that the Seal
Beach
Naval Weapons Station came under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land
Management. Since the Weapons Station officials were unable to provide
us with
a memorial site "Did we ever consider contacting Bureau Officials"?
This scenario was a completely new revelation for us. Upon his return
to
Virginia Beach the Admiral would contact the Bureau and see what he
could do to
help us. We were confident something good would come from this.
In due time a call was received from a Deputy in
the Bureau
of Land Management who had jurisdiction of Naval Properties. After
relating
what the Admiral had told him, he needed to know the specifics of our
required
memorial site area. Since we had no specific plan established, a call
later
would provide him all the details. Chapter members involved in the
memorial
site planning, were contacted and a decision developed that the site
should be
100' x 100'.
It was sometime before we could again contact our
bureau
source. The secretary later called to advise that we were to arrange a
meeting
with Naval Weapons Station officials and present our plan. This we did
at a
somewhat later date. Many chapter and regional events were in the
making, so,
urgency was secondary.
A meeting with Weapons Station officials was
conducted with
a delegation of chapter members attending. They presented a strong,
positive attitude.
"There should be no problem to provide us with the size area for our
site
that we first requested".
First, we were shown a possible site near Pacific
Coast
Highway underpass. This was undesirable. Next was a site adjacent to
the
railroad and Westminster Blvd entrance. This did not fulfill our
desires.
Finally upon returning to the main gate, we again stressed our desire
for a
site near the entrance. They shot down our request for the area on the
right
side of the entrance, advising us they were going to build a station
identification wall there. They did suggest the area at the end of the
parking
lot on the left of the entrance. In further discussion they pointed out
that
this area could be fenced so we would not need enter the base to the
memorial
site. This was the clincher. For all intents and purposes we had a done
deal.
This through the courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management and R.
Admiral B.F.
McMahon. Upon closing our meeting they advised us they could not only
move the
fence for us, but, they would get water and electrical lines to the
site.
Christmas had come early in 1976. All we needed to do now was develop
the site
and build our memorial. A real piece of cake.
BUILDING OF THE MEMORIAL
With the memorial site finally attained, whatever
had
transpired to reach this point was quickly forgotten when we came to
the
realization we had a tremendous task ahead.
Through the great work of Weapons Station XO,
Harry Madera,
the fence was moved back, water and electrical lines put in, and even
some of
the shrubbery removed. We were advised that whatever our site plans,
they would
need include the large, unsightly tree, almost in the center of our
plot. Early
on, this seemed a real obstacle, but with some ingenious planning, it
worked
out great.
We determined the site would have 52 Italian
Cypress trees,
in a half circle, to represent the 52 lost boats. In front of each tree
would
be a raised concrete slab with a brass plate with boat name affixed
upon slab.
The torpedo, flagpole, "Lost Boat Plaque", and two other plaques
would front the memorial. A small reflection Pool would stand directly
behind.
The Cypress Trees began from 59 cents a gallon
plants, then
transferred to two-gallon cans. They had grown larger before planting,
at the
site. By this time they had grown to nearly four feet.
A revision in initial plans made It necessary to
request the
Weapons Station to move the fence back. This they graciously did to
give the
present dimensions of 341'x 101' to our memorial. Approximately 1/3
acre. This
being done, we were ready to begin with the construction.
In January 1977, a groundbreaking ceremony was
conducted to
officially get the project underway. With Al Rupp directing the project
and
chapter members providing some of the necessary labor, the site soon
took on
the planned look. A completion date was planned prior to Memorial Day
1977 so
the memorial could be dedicated at that time.
To single out each contributing member would be
difficult.
Whatever the contribution of labor, materials, money, it was for a
great cause.
Finally, just prior to the scheduled completion
date, for
all practical purposes, the memorial in all its splendor was completed.
A tremendous effort was directed toward getting
publicity
and planning a program for the memorial dedication day. Here again many
contributors were involved. National, regional, and state officials
were
notified of the dedication as well as chapter members. All were urged
to attend
and be a part of this historical event. It was unfortunate however,
that most
of the top organizations officials were unaccounted for at the event.
For
whatever reason. Nonetheless the local papers gave good coverage and
brought
many to the event.
In spite of efforts made to set up for a large
number of
viewers, with the unexpected large turnout, scores were to view the
ceremony
standing. It was a spectacular day the weatherman provided. A real
colorful
sight with members wearing their uniforms and the plume in the "Digger
Hat" gently moving in the light ocean breeze that prevailed.
One stirring moment in the dedication program was
the flag
raising. Few things provide a greater thrill than to see our country's
Red,
White, and Blue emblem raised atop a flagpole. When the slowly raised
banner
did reach the top, and flag lines firmly in place, a sudden light gust
of wind
gave the beautiful flag, an extra flip and snap.
During the services it was indeed a gratifying
sight to have
the Gold Star Mothers present. They saw and participated in a service
totally
dedicated to their lost sons. This most certainly would assure them our
primary
purpose was to perpetuate the memory of those lost sons.
One interesting phase of the service was putting the time capsule into its place at the base of our torpedo. Many historical artifacts were sealed in the capsule.
The dedication service over, the crowd slowly dispersed, leaving only some debris and chairs. All that remained on this glorious site now was the spectacular memorial waiting for another day when tribute and honor would again be paid to our lost shipmates and boats. The Memorial would be improved upon. Many who were part of this dedication would themselves make their final and eternal patrol before the next services were conducted.
It was not just Los Angeles Area Chapter members
who
contributed to the but members from throughout this great land. Many
sent money
to sponsor a tree and boat. Others sent money to further improve and
expand the
Memorial. Still, others contributed materials to enhance the memorial.
During the period of 1983/84 our Memorial
Committee begin
plans to upgrade our Memorial by erecting a cast bronze tablets 14" x
24" with raised letters designed to be embedded in concrete with a 35
percent angle. This to easily view the lost boat plaque with lost
shipmates listed.
This would be designated as a "Living Memorial". With committee
members of Polis, Hansen, Hagendorn, Kay and others, this project moved
forward. This indeed would be a costly project. Committee members
developed a
brochure to present and mail to prospective business and individual
contributors. Untold hours were spent in personal contacts, mailing
preparations, phone contacts, on appeals for funds. The efforts were
successful.
In early 1985 concrete bases were poured. Buena
Park Plaque
and Trophy Co., begin casting the bronze tablets. By Memoria1 Day 1985
we were
moving rapidly ahead. A completion and dedication date was set for
Memorial Day
1986. A glorious day it was.
Anchor cloth covers had been made by Rosa
Hagendorn to place
over the completed, tablets. The entire site was elegant. Even the
water
fountain had been dressed up with a colorful mosaic red, white, and
blue trim.
Admiral Benny Bass an L.A. Chapter member, was the
featured
speaker. The ceremony was complete with band, color guard., and a huge
crowd.
With its look of splendor and glory, the memorial
site, the
"Living Memorial", was adopted and designated by our National
Organization by what it is now known, "U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII
National Memorial West". Every member of our illustrious organization
can
share the pride and honor that Los Angeles Area Chapter members carry.
For this
Memorial that truly does "Perpetuate the Memory of Our Lost
Shipmates".
This "Living Memorial" means much to many people.
One such person is Andrea Roussels whose father, CMoMM, M. F. Wickham
was lost
aboard U.S. SCAMP. Andrea had never seen her father. He was lost
several months
after she was born. She had little information on where or how SCAMP
and her
father, were lost. It was certainly a day filled with mixed emotions
when
Andrea attended Memorial Day services at the "Living Memorial". We
were honored with her presence.
This "Living Memorial" not only is used for
Memorial Day Services for the Los Angeles Area Chapter, it has other
uses. On a
number of occasions Pearl Harbor Survivors Association has conducted
their
Memorial Services on December 7th. Some of the boats, who have west
coast
reunions make use of the "Living Memorial" to conduct their services.
The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce has designated
the
"Living Memorial" on their points of interest brochure. Efforts are
being made (year 2000) for freeway signs to indicate the memorial and
its
location for freeway travelers.
At the 39th National, Convention at Anaheim CA.,
attendees
were bused daily to the "Living Memorial". Most first time viewers
were awed by the spectacular edifice. To be sure, there is no other
Memorial
dedicated for our lost shipmates that has such great beauty. The desire
of Los
Angeles Chapter members; is to continue maintaining, improving, and
beautifying
this "Living Memorial". They will continue to protect the beauty and
tranquility of this "Living Memorial" as long as there is a chapter.
The "Living Memorial" had a look of splendor for the 39th National Convention. We must keep foremost in our minds and hearts that this "Living Memorial" is not for the Los Angeles Area Chapter, nor the National Organization, but it is for the lost 52 boats and the lost shipmates in WWII. To view 52 tablets of lost boats, read the names of the 3505 plus men, this in itself is awesome.
Lest we forget.
These words were so eloquently delivered as part of the
memorial services at the 39th National Convention -
"Walk softly stranger ... walk, softly, for you tred on hallowed ground".
Yes, the U.S. Submarine Veterans WWII National Memorial West is most certainly hallowed ground. Let our L.A. Chapter and National Organization work to keep it so.
A PLACE OF HONOR
SOMETIME ALONG ABOUT LATE IN '41,
AN ATTACK ON PEARL AND
OUR WAR BEGUN.
THEIR BOMBS AND
TORPEDOES
MADE THE HARBOR A SIGHT.
YOU SAY OUR LOSSES WERE HEAVY? YA GOT
THAT RIGHT.
BATTLEWAGONS, TINCANS AND
SCORES OF PLANES
LOST ALONG WITH A GIANT NAVYYARD CRANE.
BUT THE TOUGHEST LOSSES WERE THOUSANDS OF MEN-
WE'LL AVENGE THEIR LOSSES BUT WE KNOW NOT WHEN.
REGROUP ALL
OUR FORCES, GET
READY THE SUBS-
THEY'LL SAIL FRCM DOWN UNDER, THE LAND
OF THE PUBS.
HEAD FOR THE HUNTIN' GROUND, THE SEAS 'ROUND JAPAN-
SINK THE TANKERS, THE CARRIERS, AND
GET A TINCAN.
IT MAY TAKE
SOMETIME TO
RECOVER OUR BASES,
FOR THEY'LL FIGHT TO THE DEATH TO TRY
AND SAVE FACES.
WE CAN'T QUIT THOUGH THEIR BONZAIS' ARE
CHILLIN',
TO WIN IS A
MUST, WE KEEP
ON WITH THE KILLIN'.
OUR SUBS SUFFER LOSSES, SOME NEVER ARE
FOUND-
THEY'RE ON ETERNAL PATROL WHILE WE'RE HOMEWARD
BOUND.
JAPAN WILL SURRENDER, IT IS GOING TO BE OVER-
SEPTEMBER IT'S ENDED, MAYBE HOME IN OCTOBER.
GIVE THANKS AND A PRAYER WE GOT BACK SAFE AND SOUND-
BUT HEARTS ARE HEAVY FOR OUR MATES THAT WENT DOWN.
WE'LL REMEMBER THEIR DEEDS AND
TELL ALL OF OUR LOSSES,
WITH MEMORIALS AND
SERVICES MARKED WITH THEIR CROSSES.
THEIR LOVED ONES
CAN SEE
NOW WE'LL NEVER FORGET
WITH THIS PIACE HERE OF HONOR WHERE THEIR MEMORIAL
IS SET.
WE'LL PAY TRIBUTE AND
HONOR TO THEIR LAST GREAT DEED-
THEIR SACRIFICE GOT
CAPTIVES THE WORLD OVER FREED.
DON'T EVER TAKE
LIGHTLY
THIS SETVICE WE HOLD,
FOR BOAT AND
MEN LOSSES AND
THE BELLS THAT WE'VE TOLLLED.
ONE DAY
WE'LL JOIN THEM ON OUR ETERNAL PATROL,
THEN YOU PLAY OUR TAPS AND
ONE LAST BELL TOLL.
M. GEORGE KUHN
LOS ANGELES AREA
CHAPTER
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