It was a warm sunny day for this year's Tolling of the Boats Ceremony. There was a good turnout for both the picnic and ceremony, with even a few passers-by stopping and listening in.
We have a bunch of pictures from the pre-event picnic and the Tolling Ceremony, so I've split them up into two blog entries. In this entry I've posted pictures from the Tolling Ceremony. You can click on a picture to get a larger view of it.
 |
| Seattle Base Float at the Kirkland Marina Pavilion |
The Tolling of the Boats 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 some other honors for the ceremony.
 |
| VFW Honor Guard preparing for ceremony |
 |
| VFW Piper |
Kelly Ebright and Kirsten Vesley, Bob and Chris Opple's daughters, sang the National Anthem to start the ceremony.
 |
| Kelly Ebright and Kirsten Vesley |
Our World War II veterans were piped aboard and escorted to their seats.
 |
| Adm Horton Smith and Robbie Robertson |
 |
| Tom Rice and Ralph Sterley |
Master of Ceremonies Bob Opple provided some opening remarks and introduced our speaker, Don Ulmer.
 |
| Master of Ceremonies - Bob Opple |
Don might be the only member of the submarine force to qualify on a submarine as an enlisted man and later return as the commanding officer of the same submarine. Don qualified on USS Clamagore (SS-343) in 1949 and then returned to her in 1967 as Commanding Officer.
 |
| Guest speaker - Don Ulmer |
Don related some stories about submarine sailors and his own experiences. Don is also an accomplished author of mysteries and books about submarines and finished his speech with the presentation of an "Honorary Submariner" certificate to his editor, Doris Littlefield.
 |
| Don Ulmer reading Doris Littlefield's Honorary Submariner Certificate |
This year's Tolling readers were Seattle Base Commander Keith Watson and District 4 Commander John Mansfield with Jim Harper ringing the bell. Before reading the lost boats, Keith explained the significance and origins of the ceremony.
 |
| Keith Watson and John Mansfield reading the lost boat names |
 |
| Jim Harper tolling the lost boats |
When the Tolling was complete, Terry Robertson placed the Memorial Wreath to honor the lost submariners, then VFW Honor Guard provided the gun-salute and flag presentation.
 |
| VFW Flag Presentation and Folding |
Before concluding the ceremony, District 4 Commander John Mansfield had one last item of business. He presented the USSVI Base Charter for the Silent Service Motorcycle Club to it's Base Commander, Bob Opple.
 |
| John Mansfield presents the charter for the Silent Service Motorcycle Club to Bob Opple |
The World War II veterans were escorted out, concluding this year's Tolling Ceremony.
All the submarine veterans and base members gathered by the Seattle Base float for a group photo.
 |
| 2011 Tolling of the Boats group photo |
Bravo Zulu to Bob Opple and all those that helped make the Tolling Ceremony a success.
An excellent program. It was an honor to participate in it, see the WWII Subvets, great fellowship and good food. Very nice photos too. Thank you Dave. John Mansfield, WRD4 Commander, USSVI
ReplyDeleteGreat job by all. Special thanks to Bob and all the guys/gals that set up the great food and drink. Hats off to the VFW crew.
ReplyDelete