Memorial record
U-869 Memorial Dive
A reading delivered by Richard Kohler on August 5, 2001, in memory of the 56 men aboard U-869 and the three divers who died at the wreck.
Opening reading
“Here endlessly the white waves burst and foam,
the gray gulls cry and the cormorant dips,
down by the bleached bones of forgotten ships,
and all is alone with God and the sea.”
Captain Peter Wells, 1945
This morning we gather here to remember the 56 fallen men of the submarine U-869, and to honor the wishes of their families, friends, and loved ones. We also remember the three divers who have died here as well.
We have come to mourn their loss and celebrate their lives. We bring with us this wreath in memory of their lives and the lives they have touched, and this ribbon in recognition of their service and sacrifice to their countrymen.
Psalm 139:9
“If I take the wings of the morning…”
“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.”
Closing prayer
Until all are together again.
Dear Lord,
Hold these men in your hand and heart, in your house, until the day all are together again in your Kingdom. This we ask in your name, and the name of your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.