"Boys About To Become Men"

Written by Carol S. Lasker

They honored us these boys about to become men.
From every part of this great Nation they came,
with pride in their eyes
and love of country in their heart.
They were the perfect blend,
these boys about to become men.

They were determined, excited, fearful, brave
and yet with a common bond.
To guard, to fight for and protect their country.
These boys about to become men.

Did they know what fate would bring?
I don’t think they thought of such a thing.
They were young, untouchable, strong,
with a love for life.

They knew there was a job to do,
and it would take more than just a few.
These boys about to become men.

Books have been written, speeches given,
but none did justice to the men of Taffy III.
Lives were lost, friends departed,
but the closeness of brothers remains.

The survivors who are here today,
will always stand tall with pride and
love for their shipmates who are here,
and all their brothers lost at sea.

We honor you the men of today.
You are each heroes and warm our hearts
with the glory of country.
Are we proud – YES!

We shout your praise from generation
to generation, it’s a glorious sound.
You are our men of today,
our heroes of yesterday,
and we pray for the men of tomorrow.