Well, I received it from a friend whose father is an Admiral (ret.) in the US Navy, and the picture doesn't look faked to me...
The metadata says it was taken with a Sony DCR-PC110 on 9/14/2001
Posted on 09/28/2001 2:11:31 PM PDT by RedElephants
This is a letter home from one of our fine sailors to his father that appeared today as part of University of Alabama football coach, Demnnis Franchione's weekly Friday message/update. It's well worth the read:
Dear Dad, Well, we are still out at sea, with little direction as to what our next priority is. We have spent every day since the attacks going back and forth within imaginary boxes drawn in the ocean, standing high-security watches. It hasn't been that fun I must confess. We have seen the articles and the photographs, and they are sickening. Being isolated as we are, I don't think we appreciate the full scope of what is happening back home, but we are definitely feeling the effects.
About two hours ago the junior officers were called to the bridge to conduct ship handling drills. We were about to do a man overboard (drill) when we got a call from the LUTJENS(D185), a German warship that was moored ahead of us on the pier in Plymouth, England. While in port, the WINSTON S CHURCHILL and the LUTJENS got together for a sports day/cookout on our fantail, and we made some pretty good friends.
At sea, they called requesting to pass us close up on our port side, to say goodbye. We prepared to render them honors on the bridge wing, and the Captain told the crew to come topside to wish them farewell. As they were making their approach, our Conning Officer announced through her binoculars that they were flying an American flag.
As they came even closer, we saw that it was flying at half-mast. The bridge wing was crowded with people as the Boatswain's Mate blew two whistles-Attention to Port. The ship came up alongside and we saw that the entire crew of the German ship was manning the rails, in their dress blues. They had made up a sign that was displayed on the side that read, "We Stand By You".
Needless to say there was not a dry eye on the bridge as they stayed alongside us for a few minutes and we cut our salutes. It was probably the most powerful thing I have seen in my entire life and more than a few of us fought to retain our composure.
We are no longer at liberty to divulge over unsecured e-mail our location, but we could not have asked for a finer day at sea. The German Navy did an incredible thing for this crew, and it has truly been the highest point in the days since the attacks. It's amazing to think that only a half-century ago things were quite different, and to see the unity that is being demonstrated throughout Europe and the world makes us all feel proud to be out here doing our job. After the ship pulled away and we prepared to begin our man overboard drills the Officer of the Deck turned to me and said, "I'm staying Navy."
I'll write you when I know more about when I'll be home, but for now, this is probably the best news that I could send you. Love you guys.
They also know the benefits of Beer on Naval Vessels! Always a good time when the German and US Navy can get together : )
Well, I received it from a friend whose father is an Admiral (ret.) in the US Navy, and the picture doesn't look faked to me...
The metadata says it was taken with a Sony DCR-PC110 on 9/14/2001
May our other "allies" take note (Brits, Aussies, French........you've already stood up for us; bless you, too!).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.