Guardians pay their respects to LT Herbert Collins

By Christopher Lagan in History on
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Lieutenant Herbert Collins as a surfman at the all-black life saving station at Pea Island, North Carolina during Word War II. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
Lieutenant Herbert Collins as a surfman at the all-black life saving station at Pea Island, North Carolina during Word War II. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)

Earlier today Coast Guard leaders paid their respects to a Coast Guard hero.

Vice Admiral Robert J. Papp, President Obama’s nominee to be the next Commandant of the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Manson K. Brown, commander of the Coast Guard’s 14th District, and retired Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon attended a memorial service held in honor of Lieutenant Herbert Collins, the last surviving crew member of the all-black Pea Island Lifesaving Station, who succumbed to cancer last weekend.

Rochon, the Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher at the White House, delivered the eulogy and Brown presented Collins’ wife of 62 years, Gertrude, with the ceremonial American flag in recognition of the lieutenant’s honorable service to our nation.

Vice Admiral Robert Papp gives remarks about Lt. Herbert Collins (Ret.) at his funeral. Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Victoria Bonk.
Vice Admiral Robert Papp gives remarks about Lt. Herbert Collins (Ret.) at his funeral. Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Victoria Bonk.
Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon (Ret.) delivers the eulogy for Lt. Herbert Collins (Ret.) at his funeral. Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Victoria Bonk.
Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon (Ret.) delivers the eulogy for Lt. Herbert Collins (Ret.) at his funeral. Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Victoria Bonk.
Rear Admiral Manson Brown presents the ceremonial flag to Gertrude Collins, the wife of Lt. Herbert Collins (Ret.) at his funeral. Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Victoria Bonk.
Rear Admiral Manson Brown presents the ceremonial flag to Gertrude Collins, the wife of Lt. Herbert Collins (Ret.) at his funeral. Photo by Petty Officer Third Class Victoria Bonk.
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