OFFICIAL LEGACY SITE:
ENDORSED BY USS INDIANAPOLIS SURVIVORS,  FAMILIES OF LOST AT SEA & RESCUE CREW MEMBERS

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Legacy

ONLINE VIRTUAL 75th SURVIVOR REUNION
July 30 - August 2, 2020

For the first time ever, the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) Survivors Organization and the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) Legacy Organization

teamed up with media professionals in order to provide free online access to special guest presentations, Q&A Sessions, live special-edition memorabilia auctions, educational videos, and exclusive access to commemorative merchandise in our online store!

 

This Online Virtual Reunion took place on the anniversary of the sinking, July 30th - August 1st. You can find all information and links to re-watch virtual events here​. 

 

- The USS Indianapolis (CA 35) 2020 Reunion Planning Team

USS INDIANAPOLIS
CA-35
LEGACY ORGANIZATION

WELCOME ABOARD!

We’re so glad you’ve dropped by to learn more about the legendary 5th fleet flagship, USS Indianapolis (CA-35). We are the Legacy Organization, the official auxiliary group serving the crew and families of the WWII heavy cruiser.

 

On July 30, 1945, a Japanese submarine struck Indy with two torpedoes, triggering the worst sea disaster in the history of the United States Navy—and a story of heroism and sacrifice that still captivates millions.

 

Legacy’s mission is to keep Indy’s history alive and to share it with future generations. Our programs include projects that directly serve Indy families, and we also offer education and outreach programs for schools, libraries, veterans’ groups, service organizations, museums, and media.

 

Legacy’s members include family and friends of the CA-35 crew; rescue and recovery crew; officers and crew of Indy’s namesake vessels; as well as historians, filmmakers, playwrights, actors, educators, and those whose hearts have been simply captured by Indy’s epic story.

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We invite you to join us and also promise you this: once Indianapolis captures your heart, she never lets go! 

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--Lynn Vincent

Chair, USS Indianapolis Legacy Organization

Navy Veteran and USS Indianapolis (CA-35) Honorary Survivor

New York Times Bestselling Author

Admin@ussindianapolis.com

USS INDIANAPOLIS LEGACY ORGANIZATION

For more information regarding the Legacy Organization, please see the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions below.

 

Information on how to join as a member can be found on our Membership page. 

USS Indianapolis CA-35 Legacy Organization FAQ Sheet

Q: Who comprises the Legacy Organization?

A: The Legacy Organization is almost completely comprised of family members of Survivors, Lost-at-Sea, recovery crew and former crew. The Legacy Organization has opened its membership to people who are connected to the story in some way, such as friends, reunion volunteers and others who have been involved in sharing the story of USS Indianapolis CA-35.



Q: Are the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization reunions diminishing in attendance or stature?

A: Absolutely not. As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis CA-35, we find it inevitable that the actual number of Survivors will decrease each year due to loss or inability to travel. However, the attendance at reunions by families of Survivors and Lost-at-Sea continues to see a steady increase. Each year brings new connections, and the enthusiasm grows. Relationships with the active duty Navy continue to improve, with several senior Navy officials in recent attendance. Targeted outreach, recent documentaries, books, films, and the discovery of the ship itself have provided opportunities to connect with new generations of family and friends linked to the story of Indianapolis. Speakers keep the topics fresh, engaging 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. There is a high percentage of return participants each year wishing to build on their knowledge and relationships.



Q: Does the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization support the Legacy Organization?

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: a. Reunions – planning, coordinating, volunteering. b. Membership – finding and engaging Gold Star (LAS) families, reaching new generations of Survivor families, as well as former crew, rescue crew, friends, educators, etc. c. Education – reaching out to expand curriculum opportunities through state and local educators, as well as distance learning. d. Fundraising – supporting reunion and educational efforts. e. Website – providing easily accessible, factual information on the story of USS Indianapolis CA-35, including its history, events, news updates, and other relevant information. f. Bylaws – keeping the organization current and relevant to its membership. g. Flag – honoring the requests from family of the final sailing crew to have a memorial flag flown over the USS Indianapolis CA-35 h. National Memorial.Strategic Planning – charting a course for the future. 6. No other organization has been able to prove to the Survivors Organization that they meet these standards.



Q: Does the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization support other auxiliary groups?

A: The Legacy Organization came from a grassroots movement among volunteers to actively support the USS Indianapolis Survivors Organization’s events and programs and bring honor to this historic ship and her crew. 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.



Q: How can I find out more about the Legacy Organization?

A. Our dedicated website is here at this website, 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, with links to how you can get involved. You can follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter as well. Links are provided on the website.



Help support the USS Indianapolis Legacy!

Legacy Organization Honors Lost-at-Sea Crew with Flags:

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An Important Note from
Survivor & Chairman
Harold Bray

Survivor & Chairman of the USS Indianapolis Survivor's Organization, Harold Bray, speaks on behalf of his shipmates about the future of the Indianapolis story and officially endorsing the CA-35 Legacy as the only organization charged with carrying the torch and representing the voice of the USS Indianapolis story for generations to come. 

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Read Harold's message HERE, & learn more about the USS Indianapolis CA-35   Legacy organization!

For more information and updates on all things USS Indianapolis,

click here to visit the OFFICIAL SITE 

ENDORSED BY USS INDIANAPOLIS SURVIVORS,  FAMILIES OF LOST AT SEA & RESCUE CREW MEMBERS