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Thanks for the great post, Sam.

I had the great honor and privilege to witness a memorable wreath laying ceremony abeam the Arizona Memorial in 1983 while embarked in USS New Jersey (BB-62).

I had, of course, been to the memorial on my first pass through Honolulu in 1966, but this occasion was sweet -- one Battleship crew honoring another crew, still serving their country. It was a very special moment.

Having been modernized and recommissioned in December, 1982, New Jersey was on a shakedown and "Show the Flag" cruise to WESTPAC, and I was aboard as a civilian tech rep.

The wreath laying ceremony, as we passed by the Arizona Memorial was simplicity in itself, but very poignant to this Reserve Naval Aviator observer, and the entire ship's crew, I expect. I was up in the "Crow's Nest," the gunfire spotting station, about the O-8 or O-9 level -- as high in the ship as one could get and saw and heard the entire ceremony.

You may recall that later in the year, New Jersey was hurriedly dispatched from Manilla Bay to Nicaragua and, a short while later, to Beruit.

I'd like to say that I was able to make the entire cruise, but, unfortunately, I was not able to get a recall to Active Duty. But, I sure made a hellofaneffort to get the recall!

Lest We Forget!

Hi taxman! thanks for that post! One day I will also visit Hawaii and the Arizona Memorial. there are far too many places I have not been! I am so glad you had the opportunity to share such a special memory with others. thanks for coming by the Foxhole. I hope we see you often.