Seabees memorial to be dedicated Saturday

The United States Seabee Memorial Monument will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Jefferson City National Cemetery, 1024 E. McCarty St.

Since gaining approval for such a memorial, the Seabees have been working to place one in each national cemetery.

With this, local Seabee Dave Kurre will have helped secure memorials for all three national cemeteries in Missouri.

"It's gratifying to get Missouri done," Kurre said. "It's been a lot of work, but it's been good work."

And he's not finished. He will continue to help cemeteries in other states until the Seabees are recognized at all national cemeteries.

The U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps was commissioned in March 1867. The Navy Seabees were formed March 1942 during World War II to allow civilian construction workers to enter the Navy with the ability to serve in combat.

Lt. Jeffery Turner will be the guest speaker Saturday.

After 15 years of enlisted service, Turner was commissioned in 2004 as a Civil Engineer Corps officer.

In May 2010, he was assigned as Officer in Charge at the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering at Fort Leonard Wood.

Local Seabees who served in World War II will participate in the unveiling.

"They are the original guys," Kurre said. "This is part of history; it's dedicated to the past, present and future."

The local Thomas Jefferson Division of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps will post the colors.

Several members of the Seabees Island X-1 St. Louis are expected to attend Saturday. And organizers hope to see a good turnout from area veterans organizations and the community.

Kurre said he is looking forward to December and placing the Wreaths for Heroes at the Seabee memorial.

Call 573-635-8058 for more information.

Weblink:

www.seabee.navy.mil

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