The Reuben James (USS Reuben James (DD-245)) was the first US Navy ship sunk in World War II action. This destroyer was torpedoed by a German submarine in October 1941 off the coast of Iceland while escorting an Allied ship convoy. The entire ship sank within five minutes, and only 44 of the 159 crewmen survived.
The song "The Sinking of the Reuben James," written by Woody Guthrie and performed below by the Kingston Trio, tells the tale and asks us, "What were their names?"
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, a day for remembering those who have died in our country's service. Its unofficial history dates back to women decorating the graves of Civil War soldiers.
As we observe Memorial Day today, let us pause to remember all who have given their lives for our country and our service veterans who have passed on. Tell me, what were their names?
(photo by cwwycoff1 http://www.flickr.com/photos/carlwwycoff/3561868382/)
Jane, I'm so glad you posted this info and tribute! What a great ballad! May we never forget all who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.
ReplyDeleteI hope your Memorial Day weekend was a wonderful remembering and celebrating time. We spent ours with Mom and Dad in Ohio (I posted a slideshow of our small hometown parade). "Decoration Day" is a continuing tradition there with the parade ending at the cemetery, complete with short speeches, patriotic songs, and Taps.