This year marked the 73rd anniversary of the sinking of the U.S.S. Juneau off Guadalcanal during World War II. On Friday, Nov. 13, the Juneau Mendenhall Flying Lions gathered together with residents of Juneau, members of the armed forces and others to give their respect and honor the fallen ship and crew.
We would like to thank Lion Donna Hurley for bringing this project to the club’s attention, Martha’s Flowers for the beautiful floral arrangement, the American Legion Post #25, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5559, the Alaska Native Veterans for providing wreaths and Lion Tom Dawson, Vietnam veteran, for ringing the bell. We also would like to thank Lt. Col. Steve Sztuk, the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard Detail, Lt. Cmdr. Rich Halbig and Lt. Cmdr. Ray Rivers of the U.S. Navy.
Lastly, thank you to Goldbelt and Goldbelt Mount Roberts Tram for sponsoring the reception afterwards, Mayor Greg Fisk, Randy Wanamaker, Jane Lindsey of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum and all who braved the weather to speak and give tribute to the U.S.S. Juneau and the fallen crew.
Mike Norton,
Juneau Mendnehall Flying Lions president
