Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was another big day for the Buffalo and Erie County Military and Naval Park and the historical vessel known as USS The Sullivans DD-537. Today, April 4th 2023, marks the 80th year since the christening and launch of the ship into the United States Navy.
President and CEO of the park, Paul Marzello mentioned the weather-related hardships that the ship has had to face just last year, which included significant damage to the hull of the ship, which caused it to list starboard side.
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"...It caused an insurmountable, which seemed insurmountable, tragedy. We had a 38 inch breach in her starboard hull, we had uncontrollable flooding. And of course, that severe list to starboard, which everybody saw. If not for the talents and the commitment of what we put together in a unified command, I don't think we would be celebrating that 80th anniversary today."
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Many local, state, and federal elected leaders as well as some generous donors who came to the financial aid of the ship and park gathered at the park to this Tuesday to acknowledge the history and family of the five Sullivan brothers, (George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert) aged 20 to 27, who lost their lives serving the country when their ship, USS Juneau, was sunk by a Japanese submarine during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal on November 13th, 1942.
The story of the Sullivan family and Aletta Sullivan, the mother of the five Sullivan boys, lives on trough Kelly Sullivan, and her daughter Kelcie Sullivan, who traveled from Waterloo, Iowa to show their gratitude for those who have helped get the ship back into shape following the weather damage.
"Buffalo is my second home. You all are my Buffalo family. Families go through tough times and we've had a few tough times in the past couple of years. But as with any family, that doesn't change anything. It doesn't change my love for all of you. It doesn't change my commitment to you. It doesn't change anything. It's important that you all know how much you mean to me and to the Sullivan family and how I know how hard you all worked to save that ship, my family's namesake," said Kelly Sullivan.
Just as Kelcie Sullivans great-great grandmother christened the ship 80 years ago, Kelcie Sullivan boarded the ship to re-christen the ship to bring good luck to the ship going forward.
"In honor of my great-grandfather and his brothers, I christen thee, The Sullivans and may the luck of the Irish always be with you and your crew," Kelcie said.