Memories of November 22 1963 In Massawa.

On this day November 22 1963, I was serving aboard a French Minesweeper named « La Dieppoise » usually based in Djibouti. We were in the Red Sea port city of Massawa in Eritrea then the site of the Ethiopian Naval Academy for their Graduation Ceremony. Along with us were a British Minesweeper, a Norwegian Ships, and an American Destroyer. We were tied up directly ahead of the American Ship that was flying the Red Charley pennant of the US Navy Red Sea Squadron.
I was a young buck sailor, not even a US Citizen at the time.
When the news came out, in a state of stupor all the eyes were of the US Ship, his flag at half-mast. As tradition dictate all the ship then struck their colors at half-mast and a heavy cape of sadness overcame the crew of all ships. All in the sudden, we knew that right now no flag, no Nationality, no uniform and no language that would be truly important obstacles. We knew that some brothers by the Sea were dealing with a heavy heart.
That evening, in the part of town that usually would have been overflowing with boisterous, inebriated white uniforms of all shapes and the assorted usually nervous and tense Shore Patrols a very different mood prevailed. None of the brawny challenges and confrontation would be seen. Even the most chauvinistic and stubborn bullies would find the most basics English necessary to express to US Sailors their sympathies and support. Cigarettes were offered, beers were offered to people who usually would have been targets, and games to some epic bar fights.
That day left in my mind an indelible memory of great sorrow and friendship of the Sea.
I never met the Man, he was not even my President, but somehow this young sailor felt, as the song says, that He was a Friend of Mine and that a glowing Treasure has been stolen from us all.
Rest in Peace Mister President.