U 869 Memorial Dive
August 5th, 2001
Reading by Richard Kohler
"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 3 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 and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
(Closing prayer)
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