The truest testimony will not be in the words we speak, but in the way they led their lives and in the way they lost those lives – with dedication, honor and an unquenchable desire to serve our nation. They loved their country and our Navy, and we had the pleasure of being their shipmates.

Our squadron’s loss is a profound personal loss to our family, friends, and loved ones. For those they leave behind – the mothers, the fathers, the wives, brothers, sisters and especially the children:  We as a Navy and as a nation stand beside them.

 

     The above is an excerpt from the eulogy given by the Commanding Officer of VS-35,

Cdr. John ‘Skip’ Lussier

Go here for the eulogy to Scott Zellem by Gary Hunt

 

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'On Eagle's Wings'

You who dwell...In the presence of the Lord...who abide in His shadow for life, say to the Lord: 'My refuge, my God in whom I trust!

 The snare of the fowler will never capture you, and famine will bring you no fear: under His wings your refuge, His faithfulness your shield.

You need not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; though thousands fall about you, near you it shall not come. For to His angels He's given a command to guard you in all of your ways. Upon their hands they will bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. And hold you in the palm of his hand.

Copied from the pamphlet of the services

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Any man who is asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile; can say with a great deal of pride and satisfaction...

'I Served In The UNITED STATES NAVY'

President John F. Kennedy

August 1, 1963

U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.