From Conception to Reality
 

I have been asked many times "What gave you the idea to start this project!" My answer is very simple. I have never forgotten my lost shipmates -- Fiorot in CORVINA -- Finkelstein in WAHOO -- Frontino in TROUT -- Engerbretsen in BULLHEAD -- and many others. I have, for many years, felt something should be done for their families. Their final resting places are known only to the Almighty but they deserved a place where they could be honored and remembered  now and for all eternity. What better place than here in Groton, Connecticut where most received their training at Submarine School and where those who follow will never forget them. This is a wall of remembrance to those who did not return. A special place, a quiet sanctuary, a final resting place, and for the next of kin who, for over 50 years, have endured heartache and grief, may it be the renewal of peace and the beginning of healing. May this sacred place remain in your hearts and be a source of solace for you.

With this idea in mind I presented the concept for the "Wall of Honor" to the Thames River
Chapter of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of WWII on October 14, 1992. I asked for their support
and endorsement. I envisioned a "V" shaped "Wall of Honor" fashioned after the bow of a
submarine heading out to sea in a southwest direction. It would be of black polished granite with the names of our lost shipmates in white. The names would be listed alphabetically from A to Z without rank, rate, ship or date for wherever they lie there is no distinction now.

Enthusiastic acceptance and endorsement was followed by the formation of a Steering Committee
consisting of dedicated members of Thames River Chapter with expertise in finance, fundraising,
public relations, site preparation, planning, and legal matters. Solicitations for financial support was
initiated encompassing corporations and foundations, City of Groton, Town of Groton, local
businesses, various veterans organizations including our own, and the general public. News releases were sent to over a thousand newspapers and veterans publications seeking next of kin of our departed shipmates. The responses of over a thousand next-of-kin was heartwarming and we knew then that the "Wall of Honor" would be a momentous success. Many of you are with us today. We salute you!

The ten black panels of highly polished granite underwent many months of preparation,
polishing, and engraving. Names were proofread many times to assure the 3617 names are as correct as we could make them. Today we honor these fallen heroes and shipmates and know they will be remembered and honored in perpetuity. God bless you and the wonderful country for which you made the supreme sacrifice to preserve.
 

Robert H. Moore, Chairman
Wall of Honor Executive Committee
U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II