thedrifter
04-12-08, 08:18 AM
Ship Dedicated For Honored Scio Marine
Posted by: Ron Plants, Reporter
Created: 4/11/2008 11:25:33 PM
Updated: 4/11/2008 11:43:33 PM
The Western New York family of a fallen Marine, who received this country's highest military honor, took part Friday in a unique ceremony. He is the namesake for a Navy warship.
Deb and Dan Dunham of Scio, Allegany County traveled to the Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Maine to have their initials welded into a sheet of steel which will become the keel of the ship. That destroyer is expected to be christened next year as the USS Jason Dunham.
Marine Corporal Jason Dunham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in January 2007. His parents attended the White House ceremony as President Bush made the presentation. Corporal Dunham was honored for giving his life to save fellow Marines as he dove on a grenade to shield them from the blast.
Deb Dunham told those on hand "As his Mom and being able to be the sponsor (of the ship)...it's overwhelming, heartwarming, a great deal of pride."
Dan Dunham said his son would probably regard the naming of this ship as an honor perhaps even greater than the Medal of Honor. As he put it "I think it's important that the rest of America remembers all our military personnel. Jason, by his name being on this, it will make people remember the Marines, and the soldiers, and the sailors, and the airmen, and it's a good thing and I think Jason would want that."
The ship, which is projected to carry a crew of 380 officers and enlisted personnel, is expected to be launched next year. Following outfitting as a warship and sea trials it will then join the fleet of the U.S. Navy.
Ellie
Posted by: Ron Plants, Reporter
Created: 4/11/2008 11:25:33 PM
Updated: 4/11/2008 11:43:33 PM
The Western New York family of a fallen Marine, who received this country's highest military honor, took part Friday in a unique ceremony. He is the namesake for a Navy warship.
Deb and Dan Dunham of Scio, Allegany County traveled to the Bath Iron Works Shipyard in Maine to have their initials welded into a sheet of steel which will become the keel of the ship. That destroyer is expected to be christened next year as the USS Jason Dunham.
Marine Corporal Jason Dunham was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in January 2007. His parents attended the White House ceremony as President Bush made the presentation. Corporal Dunham was honored for giving his life to save fellow Marines as he dove on a grenade to shield them from the blast.
Deb Dunham told those on hand "As his Mom and being able to be the sponsor (of the ship)...it's overwhelming, heartwarming, a great deal of pride."
Dan Dunham said his son would probably regard the naming of this ship as an honor perhaps even greater than the Medal of Honor. As he put it "I think it's important that the rest of America remembers all our military personnel. Jason, by his name being on this, it will make people remember the Marines, and the soldiers, and the sailors, and the airmen, and it's a good thing and I think Jason would want that."
The ship, which is projected to carry a crew of 380 officers and enlisted personnel, is expected to be launched next year. Following outfitting as a warship and sea trials it will then join the fleet of the U.S. Navy.
Ellie