2017 Tolling the Boats Ceremony

Seattle USSVI Base held our annual Tolling the Boats  ceremony on August 19, 2017 at the Kirkland Marina Park Pavilion. It turned out to be a clear and warm day, just perfect for the outdoor ceremony.

The Tolling Ceremony banner, welcoming the public to the event

This year we had a few light refreshments (snacks and cake) and some social time before the ceremony

A close up of one of the cakes

Grabbing some snacks

Lynda Shelton cutting the cakes

World War II veteran Fred Ennslin and his wife Josie

World War II veterans Bill Lightfoot and Ralph Sterley

Seattle Base Chaplin Andrea Geisler and Don Ulmer

Thanks to Diane, Lynn, Lynda, and Judy for helping with the food

As usual, the Seattle Base float drew the attention of people in the park and a number of them stopped by the pavilion to ask questions.

A few people passing-by stop to ask questions

The Tolling the Boats Ceremony is a memorial service to honor our lost submarine brothers who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties with valor, integrity, and courage. This ceremony is a fundamental part our creed as members of U.S. Submarine Veterans, "To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in pursuit of their duties while serving their country."

The Honor Guard from VFW Post 2995 was on hand to 'Present the Colors' and provide other honors for the ceremony.

Presenting the Colors

After which, our World War II veterans were piped aboard and escorted to their seats. As were the wives of the World War II vets and widows of submariners.

Our honored World War II Veterans

Submarine wives and widows are seated

Seattle Base Commander Al Smith provided welcomed everyone and provided some opening remarks.

Seattle Base Commander Al Smith with opening remarks

Kami McGrath was on-hand to provide music for the ceremony

Past-Base Commander Steve Shelton remembered our shipmates that have departed on Eternal Patrol in the past two years and then explained the history and significance of the Tolling the Boats ceremony. Past-Base Commander Ric Hedman then read the poem "Toll the Bell", which led to the reading of the lost boats by Steve and Ric.

Steve Shelton explaining the purpose of the Tolling ceremony

Ric Hedman reads the poem by Flecther Pratt

Steve and Ric take turns reading the names of lost U.S. Navy submarines

While Ralph Sterley rings the bell for each lost boat and crew

When the reading was complete, World War II submarine veteran Ralph Sterley laid the memorial wreath to honor all the lost submariners and the VFW Honor Guard provided a gun salute and played Taps.

Ralph placing the memorial wreath

VFW Honor Guard firing the rifle salute

VFW bugler playing Taps

That concluded our ceremony for another year. Thanks to all that attended. Special thanks to Lois Mezek and all those who helped this year's Tolling the Boats ceremony a success. 

Reminder: 2017 Seattle Base Tolling the Boats Ceremony

Seattle Base's annual Tolling the Boats ceremony is set for this Saturday, August 19, 2015 at the Kirkland Marina Park Pavilion (25 Lakeshore Plaza Drive).

We will have light refreshments starting around 11:30AM and the ceremony will get underway around 1:00PM.

The Tolling ceremony is an important part of our organization's creed. It is also an opportunity to honor our shipmates on Eternal Patrol.

We hope to see you on Saturday and be sure and bring your family and friends.

Florida Proclaims U.S. Submarine Veterans Appreciation Week

On July 27, 2017, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a proclamation declaring September 1 - 6, 2017 as U.S. Submarine Veterans Appreciation Week. Here is an image of the proclamation (you can click on it for a larger view) and the full text is presented below the image.

U.S. Submarine Veterans Appreciation Week 

WHEREAS, the United States Submarine Veterans Incorporated (USSVI) will hold their National Convention in Orlando, Florida on September 1 – 6, 2017, which marks the 117th anniversary of the Submarine Service; and

WHEREAS, the creed of Submarine Veterans is, in part, “to perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives in pursuit of their duties while serving their country”; and

WHEREAS, today the U.S. Submarine Service Fast Attack boats play a critical role as a “First Strike” force, and ballistic missile submarines roam the ocean as a deterrent against enemy attack; and

WHEREAS, nearly 4,000 Submarine Sailors have given their lives while defending this great country; and

WHEREAS, the USS Florida (SSBN-728/SSGN-728), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, is the sixth ship of the U.S. Navy to be named for the Sunshine State; and

WHEREAS, the State of Florida proudly honors all Submarine Sailors who have served out nation in appreciation for the critical role they have played, and will continue to play, in the defense of the citizens of the United States of America;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings and best wishes to all observing September 1-6, 2017 as U.S. Submarine Veterans Appreciation Week.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 27th day of July, in the year two thousand seventeen.

Tolling Ceremony Assistance Request

Sr Vice Commander Karl 'Dutch' Krompholz passed the word that we are looking for a little help with getting the Seattle Base float to the Kirkland Marina Pavilion for the Tolling ceremony on August 19.

Jim Harper and Doug Abramson, who normally bring the float, will be out of town. Dutch is towing the trailer for the chairs. So we really need someone to step up and take responsibility for hauling the float to Kirkland. The float is currently at Jim Harper's place in Everett. Please call Dutch at (253) 631-5736 if you can help out.