At each reunion, we set aside some time for a special service to remember and honor those sailors and their ladies who have passed away. Services vary according to location and host and, if possible, we try to have active duty military service members involved. Selected crew members read the names of departed shipmates, with the tolling of a ship’s bell for each name.
Often taps are played. Sometimes a gun salute is rendered. The Navy Hymn may be sung; prayers and other words of tribute are given. A special wreath is presented and sometimes thrown into the briny deep.
This is a very special service and taken seriously. We have reproduced the current Memorial Program in HTML format. You can also download the current program and previous programs in PDF format. The list of names on the program is gathered by word of mouth, so if you know of a fellow sailor or his spouse that has gone west and is not included in the list, please forward his name and years of service on the Lloyd Thomas to Scott Sheffer.
At our 2019 Memorial Service, we dedicated paver bricks at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.
At our 2014 Memorial Service, we had a special guest bugler.
We still remember Alan Boor, Dennis Bullock and Douglas Neiboer who lost their lives in the Vietnam War in 1970.
We have listed obituaries for those shipmates and family that we are aware of. If you have additional obituaries to add, please contact Scott Sheffer.