United States Submarine Veterans
Mid-Atlantic Base
USS Kete Memorial Ceremony
USS Kete (SS-369) plankowners pose in August 1944. In a little over 8 months time, the Kete and most of the men pictured here would be listed as "Presumed Lost".
On the fourth Saturday of March in each year, submarine veterans from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland gather to remember those lost aboard the USS Kete on 20 March 1945. In past years, the ceremony was held at the USS Kete Memorial in Delaware's War Memorial Park located near the Delaware Memorial Bridge in New Castle, Delaware.
Due to the unpredictable nature of March weather and the advancing age of many of the veterans, the decision was made in 2005 to hold the ceremony at Air Transport Command Restaurant in New Castle, Delaware. The 2005 ceremony was also the last ceremony that will be hosted by the US Submarine Veterans of World War II, future ceremonies will be hosted by Mid-Atlantic Base.
The solemn event includes guest speakers, Tolling of the Boats, and a recounting of the events leading up to the loss of the boat. Following the event, a luncheon is served followed by social time.
Below are some photos from the 2005 ceremony.
Mid-Atlantic Base Commander Charlie Dauphin greets US Submarine Veterans of World War II Delaware Valley Chapter President Ken Spaar.
Walt Rutter speaks with Ken Spaar. Walt was instrumental in getting the memorial to USS Kete designed, funded, and constructed.
Mid-Atlantic Base Chief of the Boat Chuck Walker tolls the bell during the USS Kete Memorial Ceremony.
USSVI Mid-Atlantic Base and USSVWWII Delaware Valley members at the luncheon after the ceremony.