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to the Editor
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Dear Somersworld:
I am writing to thank the city of Somersworth for the kindness
and love
shown to the crew of the USS Somersworh during our reunion on
the
weekend of July 16/17/18. Thanks to those who participated in
the
dedication of the park and for the memorial for those who lost
their
lives on that ship. I read the list of those who donated the
money to
make that memorial and park possible.They should be proud, for
we honor
them. A special thanks for a male 3rd grade history teacher
who is
involved with the museum and to the lady who patted a 70 year
old man
on the shouder and said its ok when the tears rolled down his
cheeks at
the memorial service. It is because of people like this in Somersworth
NH that young men risk their lives for their country. After
being in
that city three days to a man no matter what our age we would
do it
again. God Bless Somersworth NH, and God Bless America.
Bob Bingeman
Lititz Pa.
Editor's response:
The third grade teacher mentioned in this letter is Citizen
of the Year Eric Mommsen; and although we don't know who the
woman is, hopefull she'll read this letter and recognize herself.
Dear Somersworld:
Thank you for your kind and positive words concerning my part
during the fighting of the bleachery fire of last November.
This massive fire, the lack of injuries of any kind and the
containment to the factory shows how blessed we are in this
area to have a strong mutual aid system in the fire service.
No one department, person, or group can accomplish anything
alone. Volunteers as well as paid professionals are needed in
our communities to make things happen. People, not just fire
fighters that night worked together for a common cause, to put
out the fire, stop its spread to homes and other businesses
and to prevent injury or lost of life. There were just so many
individuals as well as organizations that came together. The
police department, highway and private businesses all rallied
to help. My phone lines were bombarded by people wanting to
help and not knowing how. And something special happened. I
received calls of thank yous, thank you for saving my home.
thank you for being there, thank you for taking the time. People
in emergency services rarely here praise or thanks yous. Dispatchers
normally hear the complaints and criticisms, and the constructive
to learn by criticisms are always needed in order to improve.
But it really means a lot to know you are appreciated and respected.
Joanne L Pepin
Call Dispatcher
Dear Somersworld:
Great article on the bleachery fire featured in 911 Magazine.
Joanne's (Pepin) positions as dispatcher and wife gave the article
"something extra." The importance of community firefighting
and the risk taken by these men and women are truly appreciated
by this ex-volunteer firefighter's wife and current firefighter's
mother.........
Diane Brown
Dear Somersworld:
I just couldn't let this weekend go by without
thanking all those who were involved in making the USS Somersworth
reunion such a great success! As all may know, it took a lot
of planning and a lot of help from folks to make this an unforgettable
event for the crew and their families.
We would like to thank the American Legion for the free use
of the hall on Friday night, and the ladies of the Auxiliary
for the wonderful food they provided free of charge to all those
in attendance. As usual, General Linen came through with tablecloths
and linen to make the tables very festive for our company.
We would like to thank the USA Cafe for providing breakfast
to the crew before the memorial service. At the service, the
Navy sent a color guard, and Chaplain Randall Chapman gave a
beautiful invocation to kick off the ceremony. Aidan Watson
played taps, which added to this solemn service. Chris Boyle
gave a memorable rendition of Amazing Grace on his bagpipes
that left no dry eyes in the park. The Harborside Harmony quartet
sang the Navy Hymn and Anchors Aweigh quite beautifully, also.
At the ceremony we were able to dedicate a monument to the crew
due to the very generous donations of all the veteran groups
in the city. Many WWII and other war veterans of the American
Legion acted as color guards and rifle team. We would also like
to thank Congressman Jeb Bradley for his kind words.
The Summersworth Historical Museum should be thanked for all
they did in showing the crew about early Somersworth and providing
a special exhibit about their ship.
On a personal note, I want to thank all those on our commitee
and even those who were not, for all their assistance in providing
food, help and conversation at the cookout on Saturday afternoon.
We couldn't have done it without you!!!.
Finally, to Bob Greenleaf and the Gateway Restaurant for all
they did to accomodate us for the banquet. The food was great
and it shows why they were named Business of the Year.
I'm sure none of this would have been possible without the support
of Mayor Jim McLin and the city. Most importantly I would like
to thank my wife Janet, and Bill's wife Cathy for all that they
did and what they had to put up with in this most hectic weekend
and for many weeks prior to it!!!
We also want to thank the Children's Festival Association for
the use of their podium and wonderful sound system. I especially
thank Eric Mommsen, Dave Roberge, and Tom Brown for the set
up and take down. It's fine citizens like these who make Somersworth
a great place to work and live.
The best compliment you can get when planning an event like
this is the positive comments about it. Let me tell you that
these people were very impressed by our little community. One
person actually said that he felt more welcomed here than he
did in his own town!!!
To all those I may have forgotten, I apologize, and again for
all those who worked so hard.....THANK YOU!!!
Roger Gagne and Bill Guilmette
Co-Chairs USS Somersworth Reunion Commitee
To the Editor:
On behalf of the crew of the USS Somersworth EPCER 849 and myself,
I would like to thank the citizens of Somersworth, Mayor McLin,
government officials, and veterans organizations.
What started out as a reunion on the weekend of July 16-18,
2004, ended up as a homecoming. The pride and love that you
all had for your city was evident from the moment of arrival
to departure.
I want you to know, that we too, have always shown our love
and pride of USS Somersworth. We, also, were always very proud
to be named for a city, that like us, was small, but had fellowship
and pride that is unmatched.
Crew Member, Ted Frutchey
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