ARM Cuauhtémoc, a Mexican tall ship, was on 15 nation goodwill tour celebrating Mexican Independence from Spain. ARM Cuauhtémoc is a 300 ft long ship 160ft high at its tallest. It has a crew of 277 sailors to operate it.
As the ship was leaving the slip sailors were posted on booms. Unfortunately the ship crashed into the Brooklyn Bridge. Two crew members lost their life: América Sánchez and Adal Jair Maldonado Marcos. Twenty-two other crew members were injured, three of them critically injured.
This past weekend we had the privilege of touring and sleeping on the USS Constellation in the Baltimore Inner Harbor. In comparison the USS Constellation is 199 ft long and 164 ft high it is a large tall ship. USS Constellation is 2/3 the length of the ARM Cuauhtémoc with the same mast height. While the USS Constellation has a wood hull the ARM Cuauhtémoc has a steel hull. Both of these vessels have served their countries honorably.
To be in service to your country whether you are an active duty military member or civil servant should be revered. Having a career in service to the public is a noble and worthy pursuit.
This weekend we will be raising flags at Quantico National Cemetery. We will be honoring those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. Quantico National Cemetery is their final resting place.
Please take a moment to pay respect to those who have lost their lives in service to their country.
A scout is reverent.