Community Corner

Hindenburg Memorial Service To Feature Ground Crew Member At Scene Of Tragedy

Service is closed to the public, members of the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society must register

by Patricia A. Miller

Robert Buchanan was only 17 when he served as a member of the civilian ground at the then-Lakehurst Naval Air Station.

And he was there during the early evening of May 6, 1937, waiting with hundreds for the arrival of the German airship Hindenburg. They watched as the crew members jettisoned water ballast several times before finally dropping the mooring lines to the ground.

And he was there when the Hindenburg exploded suddenly exploded in a fireball.

Buchanan will be on of two speakers at the 77th anniversary memorial ceremony at the now-Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst at 6:45 on May 6.

"This commemorative service will also remember and honor our fallen troops of the military, with a presentation of wreaths honoring our service members who gave their lives in the line of duty," according to the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society website.

Dr.Horst Schirmer is the second scheduled speaker at the event. Schirmer's designed the aeronautics for the Hindenburg. The event is closed to the public. All members of the historical society must fill out the attendance form printed in the society's newsletter at http://www.nlhs.com



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