The weather on May 30, 2022 was picture perfect. Late spring warmth, bright blue skies and gentle sea breezes combined as the backdrop for Mattapoisett’s annual Memorial Day Observances hosted by the American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280.
Keynote speaker Professor James Holmes of the Newport Naval War College gave a rousing account of the battle of Samar untaken not by Naval warships but by escort vessels south of the Philippines as the Japanese attempted a final push against the American forces. Central to his accounts of the battle, Holmes spoke of one individual officer as a person who could have come from Hollywood central casting, one Commander Ernest E. Evans of the destroyer USS Johnston.
Holmes shared insights into Evans’ personality and total single mindedness in commanding his ship and the men reporting to him. While he wasn’t known as a hot head or someone who would berate his men, “People wanted to please him,” said Holmes, who described Evans as a man with swagger and presence, a commander others wanted to follow.
As General Douglas MacArthur began his attack to regain the Philippines, then under Japanese control, Evans and other ships in the destroyer squadron were confronted by a large group of enemy warships. Many Americans were headed towards their destiny.
In a calculated move to try to protect MacArthur’s troops as they landed, Evans commanded his ship to stay the course, drawing fire away from the landing troops. In the last moments of the USS Johnston’s fight for survival, all its engines had been destroyed and the ship was literally dead in the water. Evans gave the order to abandon ship. He would not be among those who were rescued.
The USS Johnston eventually came to rest deep in the ocean near Leyte off the Philippine Islands at a depth of 21,000 feet. The ship was found in 2019 in what was called the “deepest” discovery of a naval ship to date.
Holmes noted that Evans was proud of his Native American heritage, hailing from the Pawnee nation in Oklahoma. For his bravery, Evans posthumously received the Bronze Star and a Medal of Honor. Holmes said, “Evans inspired others to be their best selves.” He added in closing a quote from General George S. Patton, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
Another highlight of the observances was American Legion Post member George Randall’s reciting of the Gettysburg Address. Before extemporarily sharing those famous words, Randall said he was proud of his own father who started the tradition of reciting President Abraham Lincoln’s address. He said he has been honored to follow in his footsteps for many decades.
As Randall reached the first use of the words “men” in the address, he edited it for the first time to include women and people of color. Randall also asked the town to remember its Gold Star mothers. He received a very grateful ovation from those in attendance.
Also sharing their thoughts on this important day in U.S. history was Select Board member Jodi Bauer, who urged the townspeople to continue flying the American flag, as it is stands for the unity of the nation, our pride and our principles and is a reminder of our heroes who gave all.
Representative William Straus said that Memorial Day is still relevant in our modern times, not only as a day of reflection for those in service that did not return, but also as an important responsibility – remembering.
There was the Old Hammondtown Elementary School band playing those well-known patriotic songs, Grand Ole Flag and the Star Spangled Banner. Band members also joined in the short procession from Center School to the library, where flowers were laid at the Civil War and WWI statues as well as the plaque commemorating Florence Eastman, who perished in service as a Red Cross nurse in WWI and for whom the American Legion Post 280 is named.
Moving on, the procession assembled at Shipyard Park, where a wreath was placed in the water for all who were lost at sea in service to the country.
In addition, there were others who honored the fallen on this very special day. Members of the New Bedford High School ROTC posted the colors, Boys Scouts distributed programs and held open the doors of Center School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High student Sasha Volkema read the governor’s proclamation.
Master of Ceremonies American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280 Rachel Perron thanked all the volunteers who made the event happen, including those who visited graves to place American Flags in remembrance of their sacrifice.
Chaplain Richard Langhoff opened and closed the ceremony in grateful prayer with hopes for peace.
American Legion Florence Eastman Post 280
By Marilou Newell