thedrifter
04-14-08, 07:47 AM
Parents of Iraq hero attend keel laying for new destroyer
Associated Press - April 12, 2008 1:55 PM ET
BATH, Maine (AP) - The parents of a young Marine who sacrificed his life to protect two fellow Marines were on hand at Bath Iron Works for a ceremony marking the start of construction on a ship that will bear their son's name.
Twenty-2-year-old Jason Dunham of Scio, N.Y., was fatally injured in Iraq in 2004 when he threw himself on a grenade. He was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Dunham's parents took part in Friday's keel-laying ceremony for the destroyer Jason Dunham. Dan Dunham told the crowd that it means a lot to the family to know that the ship will be sailing the oceans for decades, carrying Jason's name into the future.
The destroyer is to be christened in 2009 and ready for active duty a year later.
Ellie
Associated Press - April 12, 2008 1:55 PM ET
BATH, Maine (AP) - The parents of a young Marine who sacrificed his life to protect two fellow Marines were on hand at Bath Iron Works for a ceremony marking the start of construction on a ship that will bear their son's name.
Twenty-2-year-old Jason Dunham of Scio, N.Y., was fatally injured in Iraq in 2004 when he threw himself on a grenade. He was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Dunham's parents took part in Friday's keel-laying ceremony for the destroyer Jason Dunham. Dan Dunham told the crowd that it means a lot to the family to know that the ship will be sailing the oceans for decades, carrying Jason's name into the future.
The destroyer is to be christened in 2009 and ready for active duty a year later.
Ellie