That continuous chain has extended now to over 100 years with my own 36-year career and that of my daughter, a 20-year veteran F-18 pilot, who has been inducted in the Naval Aviation Hall of Fame. When he joined the Navy in 1902, my grandfather began a chain of commissioned service in our family that continued with my uncles, and my father, all of whom were career navy officers.

When I was growing up, I was immersed in an atmosphere of patriotism and service. The PURDY won a Naval Unit Commendation for her “OUTSTANDING HEROISM.Reflections on the Service of Our Veteransīy Incoming Westminster President Dr. He spent an extended period in the water before his rescue and was picked up by the USS Intrepid. Of those blown off, he was one of the few survivors. LTJG Knoop was blown off the ship’s bridge and into the ocean. The intense blast killed 15 men and wounded 27 others. One plane got through and slammed into the side of the PURDY.

The PURDY fought valiantly in a 90-minute battle, destroying five enemy planes and helping disperse the rest of the formation. Had these planes broken through the picket line, the safety of our fleet and marines ashore would be in jeopardy. The picket ships bore the brunt of an attack of 30 Japanese warplanes. The ship was assigned radar picket duty to guard the invasion of Okinawa. On 12 April 1945, then LTJG Frank Knoop served as the Gunnery Officer on the USS PURDY. Veteran Mackinac Racer and my dad Frank Knoop was not only a distinguished yachtsman but a WWII distinguished veteran for our country. The next time you are out on the racecourse, reflect for a moment on those who made the blessings of Liberty possible. Steve Knoop shares this tribute to one of those men:

armed forces, held on the anniversary of the end of World War I. Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11 in the USA, is a holiday honoring men and women who have served in the U.S.

Home of the free because of the brave c