Governor Keating Proclaims U.S.S. Oklahoma City Days March 24 & 25,
1999
Rebecca Triplett-Johnson (see "Tribute" page), asked the State of Oklahoma to remember the USS Oklahoma City in a special way. She was rewarded when the Governor's Office asked her to write the wording. Governor Frank Keating of Oklahoma has granted the following proclaimation on March 4, 1999:
WHEREAS, the UNITED STATES SHIP OKLAHOMA CITY, CL-91, CG-5, CLG-5, has outstandingly performed her duties of service to the United States of America through WWII and the Vietnam War; and
WHEREAS, all the men who served aboard her throughout her entire Naval career, bravely and honorably defended our country with pride and dignity, whether in war time or ready at any minute during peace time to heed their call to duty; and
WHEREAS, as the Flagship of the Seventh Fleet she always earned the support of families and friends of those who served aboard her, and shared the true meaning and encouragement of patriotism; and
WHEREAS, many Americans and Oklahomans have respected her outstanding Naval history and crew members as examples of integrity and honor; and
WHEREAS, after her sink exercise on March 24 and 25, 1999 her crew members and families will stand in testimony to the heroic deeds of all associated with her Naval career;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Frank Keating, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim March 24 and 25, 1999 as
USS OKLAHOMA CITY DAYS in the State of Oklahoma.
Rebecca continues to lobby for the ship, hoping for a last minute reprieve that will keep the OK City afloat. It is beyond the scope of the Governor's office to affect any change in the ship's status. That's why Rebecca has shifted her focus to the offices of various U.S. Senators who do have that authority.
