Seattle USSVI Base held our annual Tolling the Boats ceremony on August 10, 2019.
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| Reading the lost boats |
The event was held at the Kirkland Marina Park Pavilion.
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| Kirkland Marina Park Pavilion with the Seattle Base float |
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| A closer view of the float |
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."
It was a pleasant day for the ceremony. The day started off cloudy but cleared up as the day went on. As usual, the Seattle Base float drew the attention of people in the park and several stopped by to ask questions.
Seattle Base Commander Ric Hedman kicked off the ceremony, welcoming everyone and provided opening remarks.
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| Ric's opening remarks |
Then Kirkland Mayor Penny Street welcomed us and talked about the city's relationship with Seattle Base USSVI.
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| Kirkland Mayor Penny Street |
We then moved to the introduction our World War II veterans and recognized the wives and widows of submariners.
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| World War II submarine veteran Ralph |
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| World War II Merchant Marine veteran Bill |
Ric also explained the history of the Tolling Ceremony and why we do it.
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| Explaining the Tolling Ceremony |
We then moved on to reading the names of the lost U.S. Navy submarines and ringing two bells. One for the submarine and one for the crew.The lost submarine names were read by Base Commander Ric, Sr Vice Commander Larry, and Jr Vice Commander Earl, while our Chief of the Boat, Ralph, rang the bell.
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| Seattle Base officers with Ric leading off the reading |
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| Earl takes his turn |
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| And Larry takes his turn |
When the reading was complete, Chief of the Boat and World War II submarine veteran Ralph laid the memorial wreath to honor all the lost submariners and the Taps was played.
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| Ralph lays the wreath |
After the ceremony, cake was served, and we had a little social time before cleaning up the pavilion. Here are a few photos of people at the ceremony.
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| One of the cakes |
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| And the other |
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| Serving up the cakes |
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| Enjoying the cake and visiting time |
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| And probably a few sea stories being swapped |
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| Jim and Earl say that we hope to see you here next time! |
That concluded our ceremony for another year. Thanks to all that attended. Special thanks to all those who helped this year's Tolling the Boats ceremony a success.
