PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - Family, friends and military members gathered to pay tribute to the retired Chief Boatswain’s Mate Donald Show in an ash-scattering ceremony at the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Dec. 7, 2015.
“My dad would have loved this ceremony,” said Jeannette Siciliani, daughter of the late Show, who served aboard USS Phoenix during the Pearl Harbor attacks Dec. 7, 1941. “He loved his Navy. He always said that ocean was his wife.”
“This is what he wanted and I am blessed to be here to honor his wish,” said Siciliani.
The ash-scattering ceremony was one of several events leading up to the 74th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day to pay tribute to the nation’s military while enlightening Americans about veterans and service.
“It was Don’s wish to make a final voyage back to Pearl Harbor after his death so he could be reunited with his shipmates, his brothers, lost that fateful day in 1941,” said Pearl Harbor survivor liaison retired Master Chief Yeoman James Taylor during his speech.
Taylor, master of the ceremony, talked about Show and his life before he introduced Show’s family members.
“The ceremony was beautiful and it really exceeded my expectations,” said Zach Show, son of Donald Show. “We are so happy and so honored and thankful for what everyone did for us.”
Musician 2nd Class Rick Baty played taps on his bugle while the base ceremonial guard honored Show with a gun salute.
Both of Show’s children received an American flag, a gesture that made them tear up.
After the ceremony ended, Show’s children and friends dropped purple lei flowers into the water.
“I saw them [flowers] drift towards where USS Phoenix sunk and I felt like it was a sign from my dad saying that is right where he wanted to be,” said Siciliani.
Date Taken: | 12.07.2015 |
Date Posted: | 12.07.2015 22:32 |
Story ID: | 183778 |
Location: | PEARL HARBOR, HAWAII, US |
Web Views: | 62 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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