Department of Defense
Office
of the Assistant Secretary
(Manpower
and Reserve Affairs)
1000
Navy Pentagon
Washington
DC 20350-1000
Jan
20 2015
Mr.
William Kelly
20
Columbine Ave.
Browns
Mills, NJ 08015
Dear
Mr. Kelly,
Thank
you for your recent letter to the Secretary of Defense requesting the
repatriation of remains associated with the USS Intrepid from the American
Cemetery in Tripoli. I am responding on behalf of the Secretary of Defense.
The
position of the Department of Defense continues to be that the repatriation of
remains would go against the Navy’s custom and tradition honoring the final
resting place of those lost in downed ships and aircraft. Additionally, there
are many scientific, historical and social realities that would make the
repatriation of Intrepid remains very difficult, perhaps impossible, some of
which are noted in the 2012 study you cited in your letter.
While
we are unable to support the repatriation of remains in this case, we do have a
vested interest in maintaining the grave site as an honorable and hallowed
place. In 2010, we engaged the Libyan Minister of Antiquities and Archeology,
and subsequently a project commenced to renovate and restore the grave site to
its proper form. Given the current turmoil being experienced in Libya, it would
not be prudent to engage on this issue at this time. However, when the
situation stabilizes an assessment of the cemetery’s condition will need to
occur.
I
sincerely appreciate your commitment to honoring our nation’s Veterans....
Sincerely
Signed
Deputy
Assistant Secretary of the Navy
(Military
Manpower and Personnel)
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