Updated June 2015 with a third video. These videos document the dedication of the plaque and memorial tree honoring the sailors who died at Okinawa in 1945, when the ship was struck by 22 kamikazes and four deck bombs. Following the dedication, a memorial service was held aboard the ship: a wreath was dropped into the harbor and the bell was rung for each fallen sailor. A reunion luncheon followed and is shown at the end of the first video.
The second video includes additional photos from the luncheon along with photos and footage from the reunion dinner. The third video features local news coverage of the Tree and Plaque dedication from September 2014, as well as the Memorial Service held on April 16, 2015 — the 70th anniversary of the battle that gave the Laffey her legend as The Ship That Would Not Die.
Click a title below the player to select a video.
