2025 Year in Review

The 2024–2025 fiscal year was one of the most active yet for the USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy Organization, with volunteers pouring their hearts into sharing the Indy story in fresh, meaningful ways. From flags flying over the memorial to new digital and print projects, every committee helped strengthen connections across the Indy family.

Flags, Classrooms, and Digital Memorials

The Flag Committee, led by Olivia Hussey, continued one of the most personal traditions of the Legacy Organization: flying memorial flags over the USS Indianapolis CA-35 National Memorial for families of Survivors and Lost at Sea crew. At the 2025 Honor Watch, four families gathered to watch their loved ones’ flags rise above the memorial, bringing the total number of flags flown to 141 and creating yet another bridge between the memorial in Indianapolis and Indy families across the country. Anyone interested in requesting a flag can submit a request through the official program, and volunteers are always welcome to help keep this effort going.​

The Education Committee, chaired by Marilyn Henry, stayed busy in classrooms and community venues, sharing the story of the ship and her crew with audiences of all ages. Their biggest milestone came with the unveiling of the Project 888 website, a digital memorial and research hub devoted to the 888 men lost at sea, which has been years in the making and will continue to grow. Families and researchers are encouraged to visit the site to learn more and to share information about Lost at Sea crewmen so their stories can be preserved and told.

Storytelling, Media, and “Heroes in the Shadows” 

Under the leadership of Sara Vladic, the Strategic Communications Committee coordinated media and outreach around the 80th Anniversary Remembrance, including coverage of events, presentations, and special features. They also helped spotlight a unique online auction: a commemorative Jaws Lego set, partially built and signed by Survivor Harold Bray, which drew attention far beyond the core Indy community. Ongoing social media activity on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the ussindianapolis.com and ussindianapolis.org websites remains a powerful way to share updates, highlight crew stories, and connect new followers to the Legacy Organization’s mission.

The Heroes in the Shadows Ad Hoc Committee, led by Jane Goodall, celebrated a major milestone at the 80th Anniversary Remembrance by sharing the story behind the book Heroes in the Shadows: The Untold Story of the African American Sailors Aboard USS Indianapolis (CA-35). Inspired by remarks made 25 years earlier by LeeRoy Pitts, PhD, about his brother, Steward’s Mate 1st Class Albert Rice, the team researched the only division aboard Indianapolis with no survivors and brought those stories together in one powerful volume. The book is available in both print and e‑book formats, and all proceeds support the Legacy Organization’s work.

Books, Merchandise, and Milestone Events

New merchandise, designed by Sara Vladic and artist Julia Gash rolled out special items for the 80th Anniversary Remembrance and curated favorites from past reunions, using merchandise as another means of outreach and education. Items were available at the event, run by Deb Polise and Karen Thelen Corby, along with dedicated volunteers. Our hope is to have more merchandise available in the near future.

Two key publications remain available: the 80th Anniversary book USS Indianapolis: A Closer Look Back, and the updated edition of Only 316 Survived, now in e‑book form with more than 100 updates from the original 2002 print edition. These works offer both longtime followers and new readers a deeper look into the ship’s history and the experiences of her crew.​

The Reunion/Events Committee, chaired by Doug Sinclair, coordinated the 80th Anniversary Remembrance at the historic Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis, the site of the first reunion in 1960. Make sure to check out the reunion page, where you can find photos, videos, and highlights from the event.

Membership and Leadership Updates

The Membership Committee, led by Julie Haas, continued to nurture a strong, diverse membership of General, Life, and Student members. The team not only manages records and outreach but also focuses on recognizing the unique talents and contributions each member brings to the organization’s mission. Their year‑round efforts help ensure that every person in the Legacy community feels valued, engaged, and connected to the ongoing work of honoring the Indy crew.​

On the leadership front, Chairperson Doug Sinclair continues his term through July 2026, while the Board prepares to confirm a new Vice Chair, Jeff Ortiz, nephew of Lost at Sea crew member Yc3 Orlando Robert Ortiz. Jeff, a longtime advocate who recently led the successful effort to rediscover and reinstall the missing Michigan Lost at Sea plaque at the Detroit Historical Museum, brings a deep personal commitment to the story and legacy of Indy. Treasurer Jennifer Brunson has agreed to continue serving while a future successor is identified, and newly appointed Secretary Kasey Conner—an educator who teaches the Indy story in her classroom—began her term in 2025. Member at Large Ernestine Peete continues in her role through July 2026, helping guide the organization as it plans for the years ahead.

For the Full 2024-2025 Report with financial and additional details, click here: