2025 AAFA "GATOR NAVY" REUNION - SEPTEMBER 14-17 - PORTLAND, MAINE
TAPS
THIS IS OUR LATEST LIST OF DEPARTED CREW MATES. PLEASE CONTACT THE WEBMASTER IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL NAMES TO ADD OR CORRECTIONS TO BE MADE.
This list is made available only for the private use of Telfair veterans and their families and is not to be shared with or disseminated to any other party. Any reproduction or use for any commercial or other purpose is strictly prohibited. Please honor the privacy of these veteran families.
We regret to inform you that our past long-time "ship's coordinator" John Tonyes passed away on October 21, 2021 due to complications of COPD and pneumonia. His son Brad called to say that he had been able to speak at length with his father in the days preceding his death, and John wanted to make sure that his many Telfair friends were remembered and made aware of his passing. Telfair was a very large part of John's life over the years, and he was instrumental in keeping the Telfair reunion group together for several decades. He was a ship's historian and knew countless shipmates, both current and past. A large and irreplaceable part of Telfair lore and knowledge was lost by his passing. The entire Telfair family extends its most sincere condolences to John's wife and family. Obituary https://obituaries.heraldbulletin.com/obituary/john-tonyes-1083600458
THE MISSING MAN TABLE CEREMONY
The table that stands before you is a place of honor. In setting this table, we acknowledge those missing from our celebration today, and we remember them.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The table is round to represent everlasting concern on the part of the survivors for their missing loved ones.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The tablecloth is white symbolizing the purity of their intentions in responding to the nation's call to arms.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The empty chair is for the missing and fallen that aren't present.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The inverted glass represents the fact that the missing and fallen cannot partake.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter suffering.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The salt sprinkled on the plate is symbolic of the countless fallen tears of the families.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The Bible represents the spiritual strength and faith to sustain those lost from our country.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The single red rose signifies the blood that many have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep the faith, while awaiting their return.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The red ribbon represents the love of our country, which inspired them to answer the nation’s call.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
The burning candle symbolizes the everlasting hope which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home to the open arms of a grateful nation.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
Remember all who have served alongside them; we who have donned the same proud uniform, being sworn to the same faith and allegiance -- we will never forget their sacrifice.
REMEMBER (bell is rung)
