A Memorial To Jack And His Crewmates On LCH 185

No Roses Grow On A Sailor's Grave
On sailor's grave there are no roses,

On a seaman's grave there blooms no Edelweiss.

The only ornaments are the white gulls

And the many tears a girl is weeping.

My husband,John,and our son are in Normandy to see the unveiling of a memorial at Lion-Sur-Mer to the Landing Ship LCH 185,which was sunk by a mine off Sword beach,on June 25th.1944.
John's stepbrother Jack Barringer was one of only 4 crew who have graves in France.Jack was buried in Ranville War Cemetery.
Jack's best friend Patrick Thomas was the only survivor.He is now 96 years old,and he has regularly visited Jack's grave.
A chance meeting between Patrick and a young archaeologist,John Phillips,resulted in a search for the ship(which they may have found),and our family being put in touch with Patrick by social media.
Three of Jack's nephews will also be at the unveiling,and they all hope to meet up with Patrick.
The Mayor of Lion-Sur-Mer gave permission for the memorial,and after the unveiling,he is holding a reception for everyone.
John Phillips has posted a short video of himself and Patrick,see....
No roses on a sailor's grave|Indiegogo

[Suzanne]

So very poignant.
Interesting information and story Carol

[Lou Ann]

This is beautiful and so appropriate to your story. How wonderful that your husband and son can be at Normandy on the anniversary of D Day in honor of Jack and his ship. A beautiful time for everyone, I’m sure.

[Henri Russell]

So interesting. Lovely poem. It is good your husband and son can be in Normandy in this occasion.

[Caterina]

I love the poem and the sad story that you told us. Nice hearing that the memorial will be honoured by so many grateful people. Fav

[Mave]

Love the poem - I never thought of that - and the picture

[mittens (Marilyn)]

Wonderful memorial shot and such an interesting poem. So nice that you son and husband are able to visit there.

[Sylvia Binch]

Very interesting to read the story behind the photo and wonderful that your family can be at the unveiling of the memorial. A very special occasion.

[Margaret Brown]

Such a sad poem but good that your husband and son can mark this special occasion.

[FBailey]

What beautiful words ...

[Bep]

A very special occasion, Carol. Thanks for sharing this story.

[Lynne Hart]

Lovely capture of this tribute. Like the poem perfect for this special occasion.

[Susan.T.]

A nice poem,very sentimental times.
Lovely photo.

[Margo]

lovely fav

[Myrna O'Hara]

Saw this on the PP, nice tribute.

[Jane Pittenger]

Potent

[Faye Turner]

How lovely!

[Taffy]

This is beautiful, and such a lovely tribute/remembrance.

[Lois]

Beautiful poem and wonderful tribute

[4rky]

Very moving

[Wylie]

lovely story Carol

[Dione Giorgio]

Very touching tribute and story.