THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, August 20, 1996 TAG: 9608200011
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 25 lines
After having the privilege of witnessing the decommissioning ceremony of the USS America, I have to take the time to express my feelings.
It was a beautiful ceremony and very moving. The sailors lined up across the deck of that awesome, majestic ship was breathtaking.
As a widow of an Army officer, I thoroughly enjoyed the Sousa marches the Navy band played. What a sense of pride filled the air as we watched this spectacular event.
There were some tears shed, however, when we saw the sailors leaving the ship for the last time. Then when the captain said his fond farewell to the ship and crew that he admired so much, it truly tugged at the heartstrings, as ``America the Beautiful'' was played!
It was very sad saying goodbye to this ship named after our country.
I was very thankful for the invitation to attend, as I will forever have deep feelings for all our military branches. God bless them and God bless America!
EVELYN E. HILL
Virginia Beach, Aug. 11, 1996 by CNB