http://www.wickedlocal.com/lexington/news/x1221872410/Patriots-Day-ceremony-honors-veterans-of-U-S-S-Lexington#axzz1sJksgqO5
Patriots' Day ceremony honors veterans of U.S.S. Lexington
U.S.S. Lexington ceremony
Wicked Local photo by Samantha Allen
Members of the U.S. Naval Seal Cadet Corp stand at attention during a ceremony to honor the five ships named U.S.S. Lexington.
By Samantha Allen/saallen@wickedlocal.com
Wicked Local Lexington
Posted Apr 16, 2012 @ 03:00 PM
U.S.S. Lexington Memorial Ceremony
Lexington —
Maritime bells sounded on the common between Buckman Tavern and the Lexington Visitors Center as Lexingtonians and visitors gathered for a different type of Patriots’ Day memorial service. Hosted by the Lexington Lions Club, the ceremony commemorated veterans of the five U.S. Navy vessels named U.S.S. Lexington.
Several speakers made note of the impressive ships and their history, and members of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corp laid wreaths at each of the five monuments. The Lexington Minute Men fired volleys in salute, while the Lexington High School band performed the national anthem and a lone trumpeter played “Taps.”
Standing next to a row of plaques, Selectman Peter Kelley said Lexington is a name synonymous with “freedom” and “democracy.”
“On such a glorious day for America,” he said, “this is a tribute to the name Lexington, which is not just a ship but a name that means so much more, all over the world.”
Ed McGlew, 90, a U.S. Navy veteran from Springfield, Vt., thanked the crowd for remembering his comrades.
“CV-2 and CV-16 guys, we’re dwindling,” said McGlew, who was an aerial photographer for the U.S.S. Lexington CV-2 (1927-1942) and CV-16 (1943-1962). “We appreciate you coming out very much. It’s a special thing for us.”
He also showed the crowd a diary from his Navy days, noting the most intense entries — about battles at sea — were stained with seawater. He declined to read the entries, saying if he could make it back for the 25th annual event next year, he would read them at that time.
State Sen. Ken Donnelly, D-Arlington, noted the heroism of the servicemen aboard all the ships named Lexington since the 1st Lexington embarked in 1776.
“Even great ships don’t steer themselves. As recognized by the 13 battleship stars … these ships were manned by America’s finest,” Donnelly said. “Today, we acknowledge the many men and women who served in the U.S.S. Lexington since our revolution. These five ships have carried not only the names of our great town but the resilience, brilliance and pride of Lexington as well.”
Guest speaker Lt. Albert Sharlow, the operations officer of the U.S.S. Constitution, the longest-running American battleship, encouraged the crowd to give back to their country.
“Find a way to serve, no matter how big or small an undertaking,” Sharlow said. “We will seek to make a better tomorrow if we can start today.”
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