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.