MEMORIALS
The memory of every crew member who served aboard the USS Colorado is important to his shipmates. The USS Colorado Alumni Association continues to honor their memories through our publications, memorial services, and memorials established across the United States. This section describes these memorials, followed by a listing of our shipmates killed or missing in action. KIA/MIA Other shipmates who were wounded in action and died later --some during the war and some later as a result of service to their country--are included in the listing under TAPS.
(Click on pictures to enlarge.)
USS
COLORADO MEMORIAL, Museum
of History and Industry,
Seattle, Washington
On
May 18, 2003 a new plaque was dedicated in memory of the USS Colorado and her
crew beside the 5 inch 51 caliber gun from the s
hip.
The gun
was acquired by the Puget Sound Maritime
Historical Society when the ship was
scrapped, and it has stood for 40 years at the Museum
of History and Industry in Seattle. The plaque, a
memorial service, and display in the
museum were joint projects of the museum (MOHAI), the society (PSMHS),
US
Navy League, Seattle, and shipmate Andy Andresen.
See Album
page 25.
USS COLORADO MEMORIAL BENCH, State
Capitol Grounds,
Denver, Colorado
This memorial was dedicated on March 21, 1997 with Colorado Governor Romer, shipmates, and other dignitaries in impressive ceremonies. It is a marble bench with the inscription “Dedicated to the men who served aboard the USS COLORADO BB-45” and lists major battles. It is placed by the east entrance of the State Capitol and balances another memorial bench placed by the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. The drive to establish this memorial was led by shipmates Isidore Gefroh and Francis “Dan” Daigle, and Norris Hermsmeyer of the University of Colorado Naval Alumni.
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MUSEUM OF THE PACIFIC WAR, ADMIRAL NIMITZ HISTORICAL PARK, Fredericksburg, Texas
A plaque which honors those killed in action while serving
aboard the USS Colorado was dedicated and imbedded in the memorial wall on
the museum grounds. In addition our members have endowed the Nimitz
Foundation so that a wreath will be placed near the plaque each Memorial Day.
We have donated additional funds to recognize the USS Colorado (BB45) on the
wall designated as "Friends of the Nimitz" located in the George Bush
Gallery of the Pacific War. Individual shipmates are also honored on
bricks and plaques throughout the grounds.
Shipmates Joe
Ware and John Henry Winn began a tradition of impressive Memorial Day
services and mini-reunions each year since the plaque was dedicated. Other
military units have joined the ceremonies to make this a very special tribute to
all those who gave their lives. The tradition has been continued by Ken
Jones and Tom Lyman with the support of other Texas shipmates and the
Nimitz Museum.
UNIVERSITY MEMORIAL
CENTER, University of Colorado
Boulder, Colorado
In 1947 Colo
rado
Governor Knous proclaimed the University Memorial Center as the official
state memorial to those who died in war to preserve our democratic
freedoms. The Veterans Lounge was established on the 2nd floor, and
artifacts which are on display include the ship's bell and ship's wheel from the
USS Colorado. Our association has donated a model of the BB-45
which is now displayed with the bell and wheel and memorial plaques.
On November 11, 2003 a Veterans Day ceremony was held in the Glenn Miller
Lounge of the University Memorial Center. This was followed by a
reception in the Veterans Lounge. Shipmates Ken Jones and
Isidore Gefroh, and Duane Menor, son of shipmate George Menor,
represented our association. The Veterans Lounge is located near the reception desk
and the Glenn Miller Ballroom. On November 11, 2004 our association
presented the USS Colorado "Sunday Flag" to the Center.
See Album page 26.
TEAKWOOD
WALLS, Boeing Developmental Center Cafeteria
Seattle, Washington
"If these walls could talk..." In 1959 Teakwood decking from the BB-45 was obtained from Todd Shipyards and used for the walls of the cafeteria at the Boeing Developmental Center, Seattle, Washington.
On
May 26, 2004 employees of The Boeing Company dedicated a new plaque on the
teakwood walls honoring the men of the USS Colorado. Pamela Valdez,
Ryan Jutte and others from the F/A-22 Raptor program at
the Developmental Center planned the memorable ceremony, luncheon, and tour.
The dedication was attended by association members and families in the Seattle area,
together with employees of The Boeing Company.
See Album page 26.
UNITED STATES NAVY MEMORIAL
Washington, D. C.
The Navy Memorial Foundation has built a
memorial to all of those who served in the Navy through all the various wars and
actions in which the Navy and Marine Corps took part. This memorial
features the statue of the "Lone Sailor" on a large entry plaza on
Constitution Avenue.
The Arleigh and Roberta Burke Theater in the Naval Heritage Center shows a wide screen-motion picture spectacular, "At Sea". The theater itself is a memorial to those individuals, units, squadrons, and ships whose names are commemorated through sponsorships of individual seats. The members of the USS Colorado Alumni Association have sponsored one of the seats and a brass plaque is mounted on the chair honoring our ship. It is in Row A Seat 7. In addition many of our members are now enrolled in the U. S. Navy Memorial Log which can be accessed through the web.