Each year in May, members of Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) come together to observe Memorial Day in honor of the service members who sacrificed their lives in service to the United States Armed Forces. It is a day of "Gone, But Never Forgotten," and America's Shipyard participated in various events to salute our fallen troops.

The Veteran Employee Readiness Group (VET-ERG) led the charge at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth cemetery, teaming with the Navy Wives Club who oversees the fallen there in placing flags upon the graves of perished servicemembers. Twelve members and their families came out to show their support.

“This event is not only providing us the ability to serve, but we may have been passed the torch in remembering those who have gone before us, many of whom were highly decorated,” said VET-ERG member Doug DeLong. “The honor and privilege to ceremoniously honor and respect those buried at the naval hospital may soon rest in our hands, or be left undone!”

The NNSY VET-ERG continued observance activities with the Memorial Day Fall-In for Colors May 24, inviting the workforce, Sailors, and tenants to come together to pay respects to those who have passed.

“Today is a day of remembrance and reflection honoring the many lives lost, many perishing in the prime of their lives and leaving so many loved ones behind to treasure their memories and honor their legacies,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Kai Torkelson, “We stand here today in solidarity both as dedicated members of Norfolk Naval Shipyard and as proud Americans. Solidarity demands a need to honor those who have died before us, and who continue to die to keep the world safe for freedom and democracy. This is why our military places so much emphasis on morale and unit cohesion. It is well known to anyone who has served, or knows someone who has served, that in those clutch moments its devotion and loyalty to fellow soldiers, the ones right there in the fog of war, that gives others the courage to risk death, or even commit to certain death for the collective benefit of their teammates and nation. No single death saves a country, just as no single person operates and maintains our shipyard. We work as a unit together, comprised of our high performing teams, to service the fleet and this nation in ensuring superior quality and reliable delivery. These insurmountable feats are accomplished through Care, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence to our fellow employees, our community and our nation.”

The VET-ERG team, along with the NNSY Chapter of the Federal Managers Association, provided wreaths dedicated to the fallen. In addition, the NNSY VET-ERG crafted a symbolic Battlefield Cross out of the personal affairs of veterans of the shipyard and the US Army Training and Doctrine Command Band provided their services with a bugler who played “Taps." For this year’s event, members wanted to go bigger than ever before.

“This was our most ambitious and impactful Fall-In since we began doing this ceremony years prior,” said VET-ERG founding member Rick Nelson. “It has been a goal of ours to have a bagpiper play Amazing Grace as well as a 21-gun salute for this event and we were able to make both happen. There were a lot of weepy eyes as the ceremony played out, becoming one of the most memorable and remarkable ceremonies I believe our team has ever done. I’m very proud of everyone who helped make it a success.”

VET-ERG founding member Jonathan Echols connected with the Mid-Atlantic Region Honor Guard to perform the 21-gun salute, a customary gun salute and military honor.

Code 2340 Engineer William Silke has been playing the bagpipes for 13 years in honor and celebration of his uncle, New York Police Department Police Officer Stephen P. Driscoll who passed away Sept. 11, 2001. When Nelson reached out to Silke to join in this year’s Memorial Day festivities, he leapt at the chance to perform.

“This was a beautiful ceremony that reflected what Memorial Day represents,” said Silke. “It honored those who we have lost and it reminded us why what we do at the shipyard is so important. I was very honored and proud to be part of this.”

Nelson added, “Seeing such talent from our shipyard coming out to volunteer his services and commitment was very special to us. His performance moved the workforce who came out to celebrate with us and we look forward to working with Mr. Silke in years coming for more performances just like this one. Thank you to Silke and everyone who helped make the event our most impactful one to date.”

This year’s Memorial Day activities concluded with the participation in the 135th Annual Portsmouth Memorial Day Parade May 27. Shipyard Sailors, members of the VET-ERG, families and friends joined in marching along the USS Alabama Float to represent America’s Shipyard.

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