A. The Legacy Organization is comprised of family members of Survivors, Lost-at-Sea, recovery crew and former crew members. Legacy’s membership is also open to people who are interested in or connected to the story in some way, such as friends, reunion volunteers, educators, and others want to learn ore and share the story of USS Indianapolis CA-35.

A: With each year that passes, we find it inevitable that the actual number of Survivors will decrease due to loss or inability to travel. However, attendance at reunions by families of Survivors and Lost-at-Sea crew members continues to see a steady increase. Indy’s story lives on through our bonds of friendship with one another, and those connections continue to see growth. We are also building relationships with the active- duty Navy personnel, as evidenced by the numbers of senior Navy officials in recent attendance. Targeted outreach, documentaries, books, films, and the recent discovery of the ship itself have provided opportunities to engage new generations of family and friends linked to the story of Indianapolis. Speakers keep the topics fresh and informative, bringing honor and focus to the crew of USS Indianapolis CA-35. Merchandise sales are steady due to the popularity of the selections of logo wear items. Participants return each year, bringing new generations of family and friends who wish to build on their knowledge and relationships.

A: Wholeheartedly, and there are several important reasons why:

1. The Legacy Organization has committed that it will not support any initiative, movie, book, documentary, or event that the Survivors Organization does not believe is in the best interest of the ship, its crew, or its legacy.

2. The Legacy Organization has fully complied with non-profit organization requirements. It has shared with the Survivors Organization its tax-exempt records and its financial status. It has demonstrated to the Survivors and Lost-at-Sea families that the Legacy Organization is operating in a professional manner compliant with non-profit law.

3. The meetings and paperwork for the Legacy Organization are publicly open and accessible to interested parties.

4. The Legacy Organization is fully compliant with its bylaws.

5. The Legacy Organization has demonstrated that its activities support events that are meaningful to the Indy family at large. For example, the Legacy Organization is organized to provide focused programs. Opportunities for members to be involved include:

   • Reunions – planning, coordinating, volunteering.

   • Membership – finding and engaging Gold Star (LAS) families, reaching new generations of Survivor families, as well as former crew, rescue crew, friends, educators, etc.

   • Education – reaching out to expand curriculum opportunities through state and local educators, as well as distance learning.

   • Fundraising – supporting reunion and educational efforts.

   • Website – providing easily accessible, fact-based information on the story of USS Indianapolis CA-35, including its history, events, news updates, and other relevant information.

   • Bylaws – keeping the organization current and relevant to its membership

   • Flag – honoring requests from family of the final sailing crew to have a memorial flag flown over the USS Indianapolis CA-35 National Memorial.

   • Strategic Planning – charting a course for the future.

   • Nominating – aiding in the succession planning of the Organization.

   • Ad Hoc Committees – as needed to further explore Indy’s history and her legacy.

6. No other organization has been able to prove to the Survivors Organization that they meet these standards.

A. While other auxiliary groups have served the Survivors through the years, the Legacy Organization is the only group officially recognized and endorsed by the Survivors Organization. The endorsement came from Survivors Organization Chairman Harold Bray in 2018, shortly after Legacy was approved by the IRS as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The genesis of the Legacy Organization arose from a grassroots movement among volunteers who were actively involved in supporting the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization’s events and programs. Legacy, as its name aptly implies, honors, and builds upon the past efforts of the Survivors Organization and promises to keep the story alive and relevant as it unites family and friends of the entire final sailing crew.

A. Our dedicated website is www.ussindianapolis.org. You may also visit the Survivors Organization’s website at www.ussindianapolis.com for the latest information on the group, events, Survivor appearances, news, and links to find out how you can get involved. Follow us on several social media platforms as well, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.