Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Stanley and Terrie Howard
Taken: May 16, 2009
Caption: Cold War Submarine Memorial Marker
Additional Description: In recognition of the strong, dedicated submarine families - wives, children and parents - who selflessly endured long and silent absences while their loved ones were at sea on patrol for extended periods thoughout the Cold War. They may be the unrecognized heroes. Their strength coupled withlove devotion for their husbands, fathers and sons, gave their Sailors the extra edge' needed to perform their mission confident that all was under control at home. Lead by the adoptive mothers of the ship - the wives of the Commanding Officer. Executive Officer and Chief of the Boat, plus the ship's Ombudsman - these women provided the strength and the glue that held the boat's family together. They provided a friend to laugh and have fun with, a hand to hold, and a shoulder to cry on. They supported each other, and included the single Sailors' parents as part of this family. They created close networks to help each other during difficulties and emergencies, and to share the good times. They developed lifelong friends, who stay the course still, offering today's support for those contnuing the traditions of deterrence for peace. They shared meals, movies, beach times, thousands of "pot luck" gatherings, holidays. Submarine Birthday celebrations, costume parties - Submarine wives sharing and caring. They could tell thirty stories in thirty minutes, and still have thousands more to tell. This hearfelt bond among the families of the Submarine Force has prevailed over the years. It was never stronger nor more sincere than among the families of the Submariners who sailed from Charleston, South Carolina, during the Cold War.
Submitted: June 4, 2009, by Stanley and Terrie Howard of Greer, South Carolina.
Database Locator Identification Number: p65915
File Size: 1.081 Megabytes

To see the metadata that may be embedded in this photo, sign in and then return to this page.