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June 15, 2015USS SLATER to Observe Destroyer Escort Day on June 20
The third Saturday in June is recognized and celebrated nationwide as Destroyer Escort Day. On this day we pay homage to the Destroyer Escort sailors killed in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War years and to the ten Destroyer Escort ships lost in action. There will be a ceremony to honor and remember Destroyer Escorts and their sailors at 9:00 a.m. at USS SLATER on Saturday, June 20.
Over 150,000 men served in destroyer escorts during World War II and through the Vietnam War. Their numbers are dwindling each year, but several of these veterans will be present to remember their lost shipmates. USS SLATER, a National Historic Landmark, is the last DE afloat in America. She is a fitting tribute to so many sailors who gave so much for their country in its time of need.
The first Destroyer Escort Day was held at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City on June 16, 1990. Destroyer Escort Day is celebrated by the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum and all of the Destroyer Escort Sailors Association Chapters nationwide. Each Chapter prepares and conducts its own program to honor the ships and crews. The Albany ceremony is sponsored by USS SLATER Volunteers.
USS SLATER is located on the Hudson River in Downtown Albany just south of the Dunn Memorial Bridge. Regular public hours for the ship are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is charged.
Call 518-431-1943 for more information or visit the website at www.ussslater.org.
