The name of the Navy destroyer named after a man who died in World War II and another man who died more than 60 years later are reminders of the sacrifice of two generations.
One of the Marines who died on Iwo Jima was awarded the medal of honor before his death.
A woman who lost her brother in an ambush in Iraq broke a bottle on the ship's bow.
Troy Black, sergeant major of the Marine Corps, told a crowd of 2,000 that the legacy and sacrifice of such Marines are never forgotten.
John Basilone was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.
A hero's welcome was given to the New Jersey resident. He died on the opening day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, after he asked to rejoin his mates. The Navy Cross was posthumously awarded to him.
Donald spoke of Basilone's dedication and bravery at the ceremony.
He wanted to return to combat rather than stay safe for the rest of the war. Donald Basilone said that his nephew wanted to return.
Ryan Manion said that her brother and the ship's namesake were both cut from the same cloth.
She said that John Basilone was a young man who joined the military to help his country.
It was a milestone in the construction of the destroyer. Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and Republican Sen. Susan Collins were in attendance.
Manion, who is one of the ship's sponsors, is president of the Pennsylvania-basedTravis Manion Foundation, which aims to empower veterans and families of fallen heroes.
During an ambush in Iraq in 2007, her brother exposed himself to enemy fire and was killed by a sniper.
All Rights Reserved © 2024
