Navy holds remembrance of 2000 USS Cole terror attack
NORFOLK, Va. — A ceremony has been held to honor the 17 sailors who died in the terrorist bombing attack on the USS Cole 2 0 year s ago.
The Virginia n-Pilot reports the ship’ s bell tolled Monday morning for each sailor who died.
A sailor from the destroy er solemnly read aloud each victim’s name and hometown. The crew was lined up in dress blues on ever y deck and snapped a salute. A rifle squad fired a three-volley salute.
The remembrance was held at Naval Station Norfolk near Virginia’ s coast. Old shipmates and families who lost loved ones gathered together. And they saw how the legacy of the Oct .12,2000, tragedy remains alive.
The ship’ s current captain, Cm dr. Edward Pledger, told the families and old crew members that the 17 golden stars on the bulkhead by the ship’s mess line are kept polis heda nd shining. He said they continue to inspire his own shipmates today.
The Cole was attacked by suicide bombers in an explosives-laden boat while refueling at the Yemeni port of Aden.
Retired Adm. Rob Natter recalled how isolated the Cole’s sailors were right after the attack and how they were unsure if another attack was coming.
But he said the Cole’s sailors answered the call of duty that day. And“aft er two backbreaking, sweltering weeks, they got Cole under way, sending a clear unmistakable message… she left with her battle en sign flying high and our national anthem blaring… everyone in and around Aden Harbor knew that Cole was coming back .”