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Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Memorial Ceremony
The ceremony to commemorate the 96th anniversary of the Titanic sinking was humbling as well as beautiful. It was sunny, windy and a little bit chilly as eighteen Coastguardsmen gathered to remember those lost that fateful day. As I think about the tragic loss of life, I can’t help but be thankful for what I have in my own life. Many people perished that day; babies, children, mothers, fathers and grandparents. While researching the Titanic sinking and the importance of Halifax, I learned that the only living survivor was two-months old at the time of the sinking. And now, she is 96-years old in failing health and even though she has no memory of the Titanic, she holds the key to what so many people are searching for.
We are geting ready to depart Halifax to head to St. John’s, Newfounland to begin the actual ice patrol. This time we will be dropping three wreaths from the C-130 Hercules in rememberance of the Titanic victims. The wreaths were blessed by Capt. Harry Crawford, chaplain of Canadian Forces Base of Halifax. I cannot wait to see the wreaths drop from the sky and land in the water. I cannot imagine being one of those persons in the frigid Atlantic waters with so much life ahead of you coming to a stop.
So remember those around you and tell them how much they mean to you. It will put a smile on your face and theirs as well.
Until next time, Petty Officer Third Class Charly Hengen
