Cole victims remembered on bombing's 9th anniversary

NORFOLK

Family members of sailors killed in the bombing of the destroyer Cole marked the ninth anniversary of the deaths with a brief, quiet ceremony at the Norfolk Naval Station memorial Monday, a base spokeswoman said.

The families also planned to participate in another memorial service in Washington. The victims' relatives have said they are planning a bigger commemoration next year, on the 10th anniversary of the attack.

The blast on Oct. 12, 2000, killed 17 sailors and injured 39 while the Norfolk-based Cole was docked in Aden harbor in Yemen.

The anniversary is "a grim reminder of the consequences of terrorism," said Brian Wise, executive director of Military Families United, a national military advocacy group.

"The 17 American sailors killed on that horrific October day were not just sailors," he said in a statement. "They were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, and friends to many. Today we not only honor the sacrifice of the 17 sailors and their families, but we honor the tireless work of the USS Cole crew that kept the ship afloat and saved the lives of all aboard.

"The families of the USS Cole have waited nine years for justice to be served to those who attacked USS Cole. And although their wait continues, today's anniversary honors the 17 sailors who were the first casualties in the War on Terror. They will forever be remembered for their sacrifice in service to their country on a ship far from its homeport."

The Cole, a guided missile destroyer, left port Sept. 23 for a multi week training exercise with ships from other countries, according to the Navy's Web site.

Matthew Bowers, (757) 222-3893, matthew.bowers@pilotonline.com