BS: Email from Ensign in Navy

Subject: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 03:27 PM

Received this from a friend and thought it should be passed on. I have left out some parts. The ensign is aboard the USS Winston Churchill, a guided missile destroyer; the only US Navy warship named after a foreign national and stationed in international waters.

Dear Dad,
We are still at sea. The remainder of out port visits have all been cancelled. We have seen the articles and the photographs and they are sickening. I don't think we appreciate the full scope of what is happening back home, but we are definitely feeling the effects.
About two hours ago, we were hailed by a German Navy destroyer, Lutjens, requesting permission to pass by our port side. Strange, since we are in the middle of an empty ocean, but the Captain acquiesced and we prepared to render them honors from our bridge wing. As they were making their approach, our conning officer used binoculars and announced that Lutjens was flying not the German, but the American flag. As she came alongside us, we saw the American flag flying halfmast and her entire crew topside standing at silent, rigid attention in their dress uniforms. They had made a sign that was displayed on her side that read "We Stand By You." There was not a dry eye on the bridge as they stayed alongside us for a few minutes. It was the most powerful thing I have seen in my life.
The German Navy did an incredible thing for this crew, and it has truly been the high point in the days since the attacks. It's amazing to think that only a half century ago things were quite different.
After the Lutjens pulled away (an officer), who had been planning to get out later this year, turned to me and said, "I'm staying Navy."
(the rest personal)

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: Allan C.
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 04:07 PM

"There was not a dry eye on the bridge..."

There isn't one around here either. Thanks for sharing this.

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: Amos
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 04:43 PM

This was posted about three weeks ago n an earlier thread, as well.

A.

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: catspaw49
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 04:55 PM

If you go to the Urban Legends Site of Snopes.Com you'll find that this one is actually true and there is a picture. Search under Winston Churchill and you'll find it.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: Gareth
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 04:55 PM

Details of the "Lutjens" Here

Gareth

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 26 Oct 01 - 07:52 AM

I heard an interview with the Ensign on NPR (National Public Radio, for non-Americans) a few weeks ago. It's a true story. She was pretty surprised when her Dad forwarded her e-mail to all his friends, who then forwarded it to all their friends, etc. But it's a great story, and I think it did people good to hear it.

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Oct 01 - 08:33 AM

Churchill would be proud to see this change of circumstance. Such a display of honour, sentiment and support is refreshing in the world we live in.

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 26 Oct 01 - 11:19 AM

Thanks for sharing that with an old salt. Truely a touching reflection of comradeship. Neil

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: GUEST,Kim C no cookie
Date: 26 Oct 01 - 12:41 PM

heehee! I didn't realize the Ensign in question is a woman! Tawanda!!!!! Thanks y'all for posting those links - I tried yesterday and couldn't get my machine to cooperate.

Tell me again how much everyone else in the world hates America?

Subject: RE: BS: Email from Ensign in Navy
From: DougR
Date: 26 Oct 01 - 01:33 PM

That's a great story. Thanks for posting it.

DougR