The U. S. Submarine Veterans of World War II organization was originated in 1955 with the
purpose, "TO PERPETUATE THE MEMORY OF THOSE SHIPMATES WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN SUBMARINE WARFARE TO PROMOTEAND KEEP ALIVE THE SPIRIT AND UNITY THAT EXISTED AMONG SUBMARINE CREWMEN DURING WORLD WAR II; TO PROMOTE SOCIABILITY GENERAL WELFAREAND GOOD FELLOWSHIP AMONG ITS MEMBERS; AND PLEDGE LOYALTY AND PATRIOTISM TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT."

The first meeting was held in September 1955 at Atlantic City, NJ with about 25
submariners in attendance. Officers were elected and each of those present agreed they would
contact every submarine veteran whose address was known. A State Charter was granted in New
Jersey in February of 1956 in the name "Submarine Veterans OF World War II." Some years later
"The U.S." was added. Approximately 300 attended the Second Annual Reunion with 665
charter members recorded. Many of these were still on active duty in the Navy. It was voted to
hold the Third Annual Reunion at Groton, CT. The first printed publication was issued in
January 1957 as the "Quarterly Bulletin" which was later changed to "Polaris" and is still published
bi-monthly. The Third Reunion at Groton was a great success with over 800 in attendance.
Membership from this point grew rapidly with many individual chapters being formed. The
Fourth Reunion was held in Denver, CO in September 1959 at which time San Diego, CA was
selected for the Fifth Reunion and "the digger hat" was adopted as the organization's official
uniform.

The first application for a Federal Charter was made in 1960 which was not granted until
November 1981. The years from 1956 to 1981 brought about many successes with State
Commanders being appointed and National Officers and Chapter Officers being elected mostly by
working their way through the ranks. These men have served and given freely of themselves never
seeking recognition or compensation. They are to be lauded.

From the very start of this organization the membership, which is today approximately 8000,
continues to carry out its purpose by recognizing and paying tribute to their shipmates still on
patrol. To this end The U. S. Submarine Veterans OF World War II have designated a memorial for each state to commemorate the loss of at least one of the submarines in World War II. This has
been accomplished and elsewhere in this book can be found the state assignment for 52 World
War II lost submarines. Two National Submarine Memorials have been approved by the National
Executive Board of our organization. The East Coast Memorial here in Groton, CT where, today,
dedicating the Wall of Honor as an integral part of the Memorial, further strengthens our resolve
never to forget our departed shipmates. The National Submarine Memorial (West) is located at
Seal Beach, CA. It should be noted that there are many other submarine memorials throughout
the United States that have been established by many of the chapters of our organization. With the
dedication today of this beautiful Wall of Honor, there can be no doubt that the memory of those
shipmates who gave their lives in submarine warfare shall live in perpetuity.