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In Memory Of Those Lost
by Betty Gagne

Is there anything more touching than a military memorial service? Why does it cause people to cry, then to cheer? And how can people, even if they've never met the deceased crew members of a ship, feel so much emotion during such an event?

The people of Somersworth who attended the Memorial Service that was held on Saturday, July 17th, at 11am in the park next to the police station could probably answer these questions. They witnessed a beautiful ceremony that will be noted with pride in the archives of Somersworth's history. Some highlights of the service included remarks by

Mayor James McLin; comments by Congressman Jeb Bradley; a reading of a letter citing Crewman Alfonse Makosky for saving two shipmates from drowning in 1946; and the presentation of a carved replica of the ship by Tommy L.Wagle, which was presented to the Historical Museum.

United States Navy Chaplain Randall Chapman opened the ceremony with prayer, after Ernest Sykes, Jr., son of a deceased crew member of the USS Somersworth, sang a powerful arrangement of our National Anthem. Chaplain Chapman said, "We must maintain our focus on freedom and justice; please bless our nation in your care; remember the USS Somersworth crew members who lost their lives in the cause of Liberty."

Passages were read by three sons of members of the ships' crew: Anthony Focca, Jr., whose father, Tony Focca, was killed in the explosion aboard ship in 1957; Loren McCoy, whose father, Capt. Roy McCoy was Commander of the ship; and Ari Zelanko, whose father was injured during the same explosion that killed Mr.Focca.

Harborside Harmony, a female quartet, sang a lovely, touching version of the Navy Hymn, followed by a reading of the 23rd Psalm by Reverend Rob McCoy, the other son of Capt. McCoy. More passages were read by Ernest Sykes, Jr., and Ari Zelanko.

After the plaque was unveiled, several crew members placed red, white and blue carnations, along with an American Flag, in front of the stone.

Seven American Legion members honored the lost crewmen with a 21-gun salute.

Aidan Watson of Somersworth played taps, which brought tears to people's eyes; the tears splashed over during bagpiper Chris Boyle's rendition of Amazing Grace.

Chaplain Chapman again spoke: "The men of the USS Somersworth served our nation well; they secured our heritage of liberty through their sacrifice."

Harborside Harmony finished the service with an upbeat version of "Anchors Aweigh," which many of the spectators joined in singing.

A tiny rain shower held off until the conclusion of the ceremony; one would think they were tears of joy from the spirits of those men who served on the ship. Following the ceremony, people walked down to the Historical Museum to see the USS Somersworth display.

Photo Collage for the Ceremony

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