The German Ship that gave Moving Tribute to Americans over Our Losses to Terrorists-Truth!
Summary of eRumor:
This email is said to be from a Naval officer to his family. It tells of an event that occurred shortly after the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001. According to the Naval officer’s email, his ship, the USS Winston Churchill, was at an undisclosed location at sea when they got a call from a German military ship named the Lutjens. The crews from the American and German ships had spent some time together while both were moored in Plymouth, England. The Lutjens asked to come alongside of the Winston Churchill, and as it did, the Americans saw a moving and spectacular site. The German ship was flying an American flag at half-mast. Then they saw that the entire crew of the German ship were “manning the rails” in their dress blues. There was also a sign on the side of the German ship that said, “We Stand By You.” The email says there wasn’t a dry eye among the Americans.
The Truth:
This moving display of friendship between two military vessels is reported to be true. The story was originally told in detail along with pictures of the event on the web page for the USS Winston Churchill. CLICK HERE for the pictures.
The USS Winston Churchill is a U.S. destroyer.
The FGS Lutjens is a German destroyer.
According to the U.S. Navy’s explanation of “Naval Traditions, Customs, & Etiquette,” the practice of “manning the rails” sees crew members stationed along the rails of a ship when dignitaries are honored such as a President or head of state.