Gil Raynor delivers the welcome address

GALVESTON --- A Galveston Memorial Day service staged beside a retired submarine paid special homage to submariners on eternal patrol.   Along the length of the retired USS CAVALLA, flags and signs commemorated the 52 submarines lost in U.S. history and the 3,500 or so servicemen who went down with them.   The Cavalla Historical Foundation hosted the service at Seawolf Park, next to the submarine the group is restoring. Foundation representative Gil Raynor served as master of ceremonies.

Raynor acknowledged that those lost at sea in defense of their country never have an opportunity for a stateside burial.

"In the submarine service we say they remain on eternal patrol," said Raynor.

Galveston Mayor Roger "Bo" Quiroga offered a brief address in which he discussed the significance of the holiday.

"Today is not a day of barbecues, furniture sales or a day at the beach," Quiroga said. "It’s a day to remember our veterans."

Cavalla Historical Foundation chairman Zeb Alford said he considered it the most important of holidays.

"Memorial Day, in my opinion, is the most important American holiday," said Alford. "There are one million, eight hundred thousand people who have died in defense of our freedom. Freedom is not free."

Arthur Craig, whose son was killed last month while on duty in Afghanistan, addressed the crowd after receiving a gold star, a traditional symbol of a loved one lost in war.

"Memorial Day certainly has a fresh and new meaning to us," Craig said. "We’re very proud of our son. He is our hero."

Keynote speaker Maj. Gen. Hugh Hardy (USMC, ret.) talked about the importance of a ready defense and how important it was in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"It’s a much different day than Memorial Day 2001," Hardy said. Hardy went on to encourage the audience to let legislators know their feelings.

"I believe that it’s our duty --- no, our privilege --- to let our leaders know our concerns about the future of our country."

Representatives of each armed service branch spoke after Hardy.

Air Force Capt. Bridget McNamara likened the World War II efforts of Col. James Doolittle’s bombing raid on Japan to the recent bombing of Afghanistan. McNamara suggested the parallel that now, like then, when America is challenged it responds.

Army Brig. Gen. David Van Kleek said people are drawn to Memorial Day services because they provide a form of closure.

"I believe we come to say thank you, each in our own personal way," Van Kleek said in his remarks. "Your presence here today is testimony to the righteousness of their cause."

Retired Navy Capt. Alan Westfall quoted Douglas MacArthur at length and Coast Guard Capt. Kevin Cook discussed the role of the Coast Guard and the members the branch has lost during various conflicts.

Marine Staff Sgt. Buck Buchanan echoed other speakers as he reminded the audience that freedom has a price.

"We sometimes forget that no democracy has lasted as long as the United States," Buchanan said.

Following the speeches, World War II submariners conducted a tolling of the lost boats, ringing a bell as each lost submarine’s name was read.

Finally, a wreath was tossed upon Galveston Bay waters, accompanied by a rifle salute and the playing of Taps, remembering those on eternal patrol.