Old Shipmates never die - they merely fade away...

USS Wilkes (DD441) Reunion Cancelled

USS Wilkes DD441 - at anchor in the Pacific - 1945

1,000 WWII vets are dying each day. As the disappear from our individual memories their traditions and collective memory also slips away. I received this today from one who served but can no longer make it this weekend to a planned reunion event....

The Wilkes Reunion has been cancelled. There were less than ten registered. John had made all the arrangements to no avail. I guess we are all getting older for some reason. In some cases the man or the wife cannot travel anymore. Wally, Joe, John had registered. I suppose we will.... I thought John would have notified you. The people who have ship's memorabilia are sending it to the Destroyer Museum, USS Kennedy, at Battleship Cove. That is if they don`t want to keep it anymore. Rich is the curator there.

We were really sorry to hear That the Captain passed away. I know he was getting quite frail at the last reunion. I don`t think he was at all happy after his wife died. I guess time marches on.

The best of everything to you and all the family.

Sincerely,

USS Wilkes Web Site

USS Kennedy, at Battleship Cove.