Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile is home port and final resting place for the USS Alabama, a World War II battleship commissioned in 1942. Her normal crew was about 2500 men, including 127 officers. We toured all of the decks, which took about two hours. The effort was worth it even though Drew came away with a dent in his head where he didn't duck enough going up one ladder! I was particularly moved as we walked through the galley and mess halls, as my Dad was Chief Petty Officer in charge of the galley on a similar ship. He had many tales such as bartering for supplies, making ice cream for the men on other ships that didn't have the capability, and even putting together flour barrels for a makeshift drum to complete their little ad hoc band ensemble. I could actually envision my Dad working and playing in such a space as the galley we toured. This day was a reminder of how we should be grateful for all of our Veterans and current military personnel who took or are taking chunks of their lives for us.
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