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German Navy Salutes US at Sea
ebay DNF discussion board ^
| 10/25/2001
| US navy personnel via email to ebay seller "007"
Posted on 10/25/2001, 8:29:24 PM by BansheeBill
I found this copy of an email posted on a discussion board for ebay sellers (the Discuss New Features Board) and thought I would share it with my fellow Freepers. I don't think this violates the "Loose Lips/Do not post Military information" rule :
Posted by 007 (1247)
on Oct-25-01 at 11:36:22 PDT Auctions
Just received this email copy from son at sea to his father
......Dear Dad, We are still at sea. The remainder of our port visits have all been canceled. We have spent every day since the attacks going back and forth within imaginary boxes drawn in the ocean, standing high-security watches, and trying to make the best of it.
We have seen the articles and the photographs, and they are sickening. Being isolated, 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, we were hailed by a German Navy destroyer, Lutjens, requesting permission to pass close by our port side. Strange, since we're in the middle of an empty ocean, but the captain acquiesced and we prepared to render them honors from our bridgewing. As they were making their approach, our conning officer used binoculars and announced that Lutjens was flying not the German, but the American flag.
As she came alongside us, we saw the American flag flying half-mast and her entire crew topside standing at silent, rigid attention in their dress uniforms. They had made a sign that was displayed on her side that read "We Stand By You."
There was not a dry eye on the bridge as they stayed alongside us for a few minutes and saluted. It was the most powerful thing I have seen in my life. 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 half-century ago things were quite different. After Lutjens pulled away, the Officer of the Deck, who had been planning to get out later this year, turned to me and said, "I'm staying Navy." I'll write you when I know more about when I'll be home, but this is it for now. Love you guys.............http://members.home.com/daeley/ATT77802.jpg
TOPICS: Extended News; Miscellaneous
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To: BansheeBill
Wow. I'm moved.
2
posted on
10/25/2001, 8:33:28 PM
by
Dog Gone
To: Alamo-Girl
Thought this might interest you.
To: BansheeBill
To: BansheeBill
Good One !!! Thanks for posting. johniegrad, LCDR, USN 1979-1987.
To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
ping
To: BansheeBill
Heart warming post.
Thanks,
Eaker
7
posted on
10/25/2001, 8:35:07 PM
by
Eaker
To: SMEDLEYBUTLER
Sorry for the repost....didn't know how to search the forum for an untiltled email.
To: BansheeBill
Don't apologize. I hadn't seen it and I'm glad you posted.
To: BansheeBill
Thanks for this great post! I believe that there is some important significance that they are all uncovered, or not wearing hats!
To: BansheeBill
As they were making their approach, our conning officer used binoculars and announced that Lutjens was flying not the German, but the American flag. That is a greater honor than most could really percieve.
I was never in the US Navy, but did escort classified information aboard a merchant marine ship on two occasions. The flag is a major deal. In fact, you must fly the flag of the host/port country when you dock as a merchant marine.
To: BansheeBill
Another ex-Navy with a lump in my throat. There is a comraderie among sailors. Thanks for the post.
To: BansheeBill
Thanks for the touching post.
To: BansheeBill
Wow, there are no words... Tears, but no words.
14
posted on
10/25/2001, 9:00:08 PM
by
GOPJ
To: BansheeBill
Thanks for the heads up!
To: BansheeBill
To: BansheeBill
WOW. I'm suddenly even more proud to be an American whose roots are mostly German and English. I've seldom had goose bumps like I got reading this. Thanks.
To: BansheeBill
Thanks. Everytime I see this I get a lump in my throat.
To: biblewonk
Dammit, I'm misting up again for the goshdarn 34th straight day. I really feel that we are a proud country again. We are American!
God Bless America.
To: BansheeBill
Salute.
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