To all my friends here at the USS San Francisco Memorial Foundation:

I write this brief letter with sadness and with gratitude. The passing of our Chief, the founder of this Foundation, marks a sad day for us all. He inspired every one of us and stood as a testament to the strength, endurance, and courage of a generation we aspire to live up to. I am grateful for having known him and am lucky to have shared in his light.

We will plan a special memorial for this year’s event to send him off right.

Thank you Chief; we have the watch.

John McKnight, President