On Honoring My Uncle, 80 Years Later: Joseph Nightingale, one of the last of our Navy men killed at Pearl Harbor to be identified and recognized.
This was an emotional homecoming, long overdue.
82 years ago, my Uncle Joe enlisted in the US Navy. shortly thereafter, he fell in love, married and was expecting his first child. His beautiful daughter, Florence, born in November of 1941, would never know her father. Neither would his baby sister, my mother, Carole, born in March of 1941.
On the morning of December 7, 1941, Joe was onboard his ship, the USS Oklahoma when the surprise attacks began. With 7 or 8 torpedoes directly hitting the ship, he and 419 others were killed as it was ripped apart, burned and capsized.
Many like him, are assumed to have died instantly.
We will never know what his life could have been like. He was young, brave, already promoted and living the life he wanted. Instead, it was all torn away in an instant. A baby girl and her widowed mom would never be the same. My mother would only hear of her brother in stories. My Uncle Charles was 7 at the time and lost his big brother.
To witness our Naval officers kneeling as the expressed their heartfelt condolences to Joe's siblings and granddaughter, Terri, was at once heartbreaking and moving. Yes, they had the 'official' words, but they also shared their personal sadness and gratitude.
I am so proud of our country's decision several years ago to finally identify as many of the Oklahoma victims as possible while their were still a few surviving family members. They have now closed this case, with 350 of the 420 identified, with full military services provided for each of these brave soldiers.
Sadly, his daughter Florence passed 18 months ago. An entire lifetime of longing for closure for her father's death, missed by months after nearly 80 years.
I was privileged to be here. I carry away his legacy and the memories of sharing these moments with friends and family, so proud to have my son Kurt and grandson Jordan at my side. Jordy saw all of the military there saluting and our precious 4 year old joined them with his own precious salute/
Thank you to all of the US Government officials, to our Navy and each person involved in identifying and bringing our family member home to rest with the proper recognition, 80 years to the day from his untimely demise.
I may share more later, but for now, I want to thank all who have shared part or all of their life protecting us.
Special thanks to those who noticed my absence for a few days and checked to see if all was well.
May you rest in eternal peace, Uncle Joe. You are home in Michigan at last.
#PearlHarborDay
#JoeNightingale #USSOklahoma #USNavy
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