In a somber commemoration of the 102nd anniversary of the explosion of the USS Bennington, the San Diego chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) gathered Saturday to remember those who died in the tragedy.
The SAR organized a re-enactment of the original memorial service with the help of combined color guards in original uniforms of the time.
The memorial service was held underneath the USS Bennington memorial, which bears the inscription “To the Bennington’s Dead, July 21, 1905” at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
After the advancing of the colors, the invocation by the Rev. Stanley DeLong and the pledge of allegiance, Joseph DeStefano sang two stanzas of the National Anthem.
Dennis Cushman, president of the San Diego SAR chapter, welcomed the audience and emphasized the magnificent sacrifice of the USS Bennington’s crew.
In his welcome speech, William Livingston, director of the cemetery, talked about the beauty of the sunset and the sunrise as seen from the monument.
“When the sun hits the obelisk monument, it is an honor for these men. These will always be sacred grounds,” Livingston said.
He said he is honored to have been in the cemetery administration for 28 years and that the USS Bennington tragedy ” the worst in San Diego’s naval history ” will not be forgotten.
“We will continue to honor our heroes and not let history go,” Livingston said. “It is important for the kids.”
Others in attendance echoed the sentiment.
“These men have given their lives to protect our freedom,” said Phyllis Barber, president of the Navy League’s San Diego Council. “We are here to celebrate their lives.”
Philip Hinshaw, chair of the organizing committee, and historian Karen Scanlon laid down a wreath during the re-enactment. Scanlon’s and Mary Ellen Cortellini’s years of joint research and dedication to history helped make the program possible. The funeral narrative presented by John Scholl was based on their findings.
“It was like a history lesson,” remarked one woman in the audience.
When the USS Bennington came to the San Diego Harbor after a difficult 17-day voyage from Hawaii, two of four boilers exploded and killed more than half of the crew. On Sunday, July 23, 1905, survivors of the USS Bennington laid their shipmates to rest at Fort Rosecrans.
Members of the SAR read prayers, as ministers did 102 years ago. Saturday’s group also re-enacted the original ceremony when Lucien Young, commanding officer of the USS Bennington, addressed the Army officers of Fort Rosecrans and post commander Capt. Ernest Scott, saying: “I accept the sacred trust of the honored dead.”
The moving tribute also included three musket salutes and a bagpiper who performed “Amazing Grace.”
A personal note was added by Margaret Riddle, the grandniece of the only officer killed aboard the USS Bennington, Newman Perry.
“My grandmother was his sister and I wanted to find out more about her little brother,” Riddle said.
In a moving speech about her genealogy, she painted a picture of “a man unspoiled, sweet, generous and humane,” as the epitaph reads on his gravestone.
“I was thrilled to come to the memorial service and to San Diego,” Riddle said. “It’s our obligation to remember them.”
Arnold Fallon, president of the Vermont Society of the SAR, emphasized the “sense of connectedness” in his speech.
“1777, 1905, 2007, or any time in between or beyond,” Fallon said, “honor, memory, sacrifice, strength, sense of connectedness, and the love for America are always present.”
In reflecting on the re-enactment he helped organize, Hinshaw said he was happy with the presentation.
“It was a lot of work but it was worth it,” he said.