The USS Stark (FFG-31). File

Stark memorial on tap for Friday
Remembering fallen shipmates

By Staff

Naval Station Mayport will honor its fallen shipmates during the annual USS Stark (FFG-31) Memorial service tomorrow (May 17). The ceremony will be at 10:30 a.m. at the Mayport Memorial Park, across from Citgo.

The service will recognize the 37 Sailors who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. Stark was hit by two Iraqi missiles on May 17, 1987. The service is open to all hands.

NS Mayport Commanding Officer, Capt. Matthew Schellhorn, will be the guest speaker at this year's service.

At the NS Mayport memorial service held May 22, 1987, then-Pres. Ronald Reagan reflected on the sacrifices made by Stark Sailors.

''When young Americans like those of USS Stark die in far off seas, we learn again how right Pres. Kennedy was when he spoke of the sacrifices of a hard and bitter peace, and our own long twilight struggle.

The following Sailors of USS Stark understood their obligations. They knew the importance of their job. So to, I believe, these same men gave up their lives so the terrible moments of the past would not be repeated. So that wider war and greater conflict could be avoided, so that thousands, and perhaps millions, of others could be spared the ultimate sacrifice these young men so willingly made.''