Today there was an opportunity to reflect all those that have died in defense of our country’s values. There was a formation on the helo deck in which the captain expanded upon the remarks of Admiral Cropper. The 2nd Mate Compliance Officer Beth Neumyer played Taps on her pocket trumpet while everyone took a moment to reflect on all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

Cadets gather for a special Memorial Day formation - Cadet Erin Hulti smiles for the camera

Cadets converse with one another while awaiting the "fall in" command from the Cadet Chief Mate

After sharing this solemn moment, there was a shift in emotions after the ceremony in which everyone was able to attend a barbecue to celebrate the lives of those who died fighting for the rights of US citizens. Everyone was able to spend some time out on the fantail and listen to live music while we ate some fantastic food prepared by the Steward Dept.

Cadets work on their canvas bags much like sailors from the days of tall ships all the way to World War II, and into the 21^st century

I ran into a group of cadets that were working on their canvas bags in underclass mess. This is a project that all the 3rd Class Deck Cadets must do in order to pass their first GOLDEN BEAR training cruise. They start with a sheet of canvas, and use waxed twine, a sail needle and a sailmaker's palm. They need to use this palm thimble in order to push the needle through the thick canvas. Deck Cadets do this in order to connect with the roots of being a seaman where traditionally all of them carried their belongings onto their vessel in a canvas bag. This skill is still used for maintenance and repair of equipment covers on deck like: Debarkation ladders, ship’s boats, compass repeaters, and deck machinery controls. The cadets also need to learn a variety of stitches in conjunction with the multiple stitches learned over the years to sew sails together. Much like observance of Memorial Day this nautical art is practiced in remembrance of our seagoing ancestors. Please read the President’s message (attached ) as well as the Captain’s below.

 

U.S.T.S. GOLDEN BEAR                                                                                                                                                                                       30 MAY 2022

Expanding on Admiral Cropper’s Memorial Day Message to the Cal Maritime Community

 

This holiday 51 years old, originally established as Decoration Day in the years after the American Civil War to honor slain Union soldiers. In 1971, the United States Congress created this national holiday to recognize the sacrifices of American service members in all conflicts. As we each enjoy this time with our GOLDEN BEAR FAMILY, and our Barbecue, our music, and comradery : please take a moment to recognize the deeper meaning of this holiday. There are thousands of heroes buried around the globe who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Country. We offer our profound thanks and gratitude to those loved ones who died in service to our Nation. President Abraham Lincoln’s address dedicating a military cemetery at Gettysburg in 1863 urged his listeners to resolve “that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

 

We are preparing now, on this ship, in our model society, to live in, lead, and continue creating an inclusive and just civilization for all Americans. In doing so, we fulfill the PROMISE of AMERICA to the world. WE DELIVER a “more perfect union” and truly honor the sacrifices of those heroes resting in our National Cemeteries, and those committed to the Deep, in the oceans of the world.

Former Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis said - “Many of us enjoy America’s freedom by an accident of birth, yet we all live free in this land by our own choice. It is our responsibility to show respect and genuine friendship to each other as fellow citizens — including those with whom we sometimes disagree — by unifying around our radical idea. That is how we can meet our ultimate responsibility…”

Today we honor our slain heroes and their sacrifice. As we continue the work of living out the experiment of America, and facing all of the modern day challenges that would fracture and

disintegrate us…… Remember NOW the words of the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr - “ We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.”

C.O.T.S.

View of  Pacific Northwest waters under the “marine layer” from the port side Quarter deck