Members of the United States Submarine Veterans, Inc and Submarine Veterans of World War II held this Marion County first ever special "Tolling of the Lost Boats" tribute to our shipmates still on eternal patrol. The site will be a focal point for hundreds of year to come and record the history of the many young men who served. Prior to the ceremony a selection of Submarine Songs by Tommy Cox, former Chief Petty Officer were played for gathering crew.

    Nautilus Base Commander, Julian Powell, opened the activity with the Salute to the Flag  flying over the Medal of Honor Plaza. Everyone recited  the Submarine Veterans Creed. Powell introduced Raymond Aten, Project Coordinator, who gave the dedication address and read the inscriptions of the granite plaques, one dedicated to all who have served or are serving in submarines. The official "Tolling of the Lost Boats" was conducted by sounding the bell after each of the 65 lost boat bricks was read. Background music during the reading of the boats featured the Navy Hymn and "Sailor" by Tom Becker. The brick readers were Raymond Aten, Pete Clemens and Julian Powell. There are eight bricks for future use which  hopefully will never be inscribed. It was intended that these bricks contain the names of the eight submariners who were presented the Medal of Honor. Aten explained that in this park, Medal of Honor persons will only be recognized in the Medal of Honor Plaza. The plaza overlooks our site and will eventually contain a granite wall listing all United States Medal of Honor recipients. Aten then read the names and their boats of all the eight MOH submariners.

    Among the distinguished attendees representing more than 60 years of submarine service were: Ardell Prescher, Past Florida State Commander, Submarine Veteran WWII and President of North Central Florida Chapter; Presidential Unit Citation submarine Barb SS220, COB, Paul G. (Swish) Saunders, CGM and 1930's Al Horrocks. And post war patrols, Ike Sexton from the Halibut era, as reported in the current book "Blind Man's Bluff"; exploration of the polar ice cap from 1957 to present with the transit of the Nautilus SSN 571 and Skate SSN578 surface at the Pole. Finally, the deterrent patrols, over the years by all submarines, including those of Doug Raynor, SOC, Grant and Lafayette. Also recognized were the wives who stood and waited keeping the home fires burning. The sister of a USS GOLET SS361 crew member lost in 1944, attended as a result of the newspaper announcement, and was introduced.

    During the dedication address, Aten, traced our ninety-nine year history from April 1900 USS HOLLAND (SS 1) to the current generation, SEAWOLF NSSN 21. The changes and the deterrent power came with the advent of nuclear submarines when on January 17, 1955 USS NAUTILUS (SSN571) sent the historic message "Underway on Nuclear Power." Throughout all these changes, there has been one constant; the dedication, pride and professionalism of the submariner. For even though we honor the lost submarines today, it is really the crew that we honor - wearing the gold and silver dolphins of the submariner.

All those present, lead by our Chaplain, read the submariner's prayer in closing the program. Departure music "Submarine Songs" by Tommy Cox was played for the gathering. Luncheons were then held at Carmichaels and Maggies Restaurants for both groups. Following the program five submariners joined our Nautilus Base and we welcome them aboard.