Fresno
2003 Memorial Report
1 March 2003
by Gary "Cowboy" McLaughlin
| SUBVETS WWII, and the USSVI Wahoo Base
met on 1 March 2003 on the campus of Fresno State University to honor the
memory of five US Submarines lost prior to World War II. These were the
F-4 (Skate), F-1 (Carp), H-1 (Seawolf), S-5, and O-5.
I was honored to deliver the keynote address and discuss the loss of these boats.
Last year, on this beautiful campus, the complete Memorial with its beautiful tree lined walkway was dedicated to the submarines lost in WWII. If you look behind the Memorial Stone and down the campus, you will notice a small marker in front of the trees, each one bears the name of one of the fifty two lost boats of WWII and five more were added with this ceremony. THRESHER and SCORPION are also honored here. Participating in the ceremony were the Naval Jr. ROTC from Sanger High School, who provided the Color and Honor Guards. Also participating were the Kerman VFW Honor Guard; vocalists for the National Anthem and the Navy Hymn; a Piper; and a member of the Fresno State Band who sounded Taps.
Dr. John Welty, President of Fresno State welcomed us and addressed the group. In attendance, along with a large number from the USSVI Wahoo Base, and their wives, were about thirty WWII Veterans- many with their wives. Also present were many widows of those Vets who are still listed with our group. A nice day.....I'd have to say! Cowboy gcafin@sierratel.com |
