City of Benicia
PROCLAMATION IN RECOGNITION OF
Harold Bray
Benicia’s Hometown Hero and Veteran
WHEREAS, Harold Bray was born in Ramsay, Michigan in 1927, joined the Navy when he was 17, was sent to Mare Island for service after boot camp and honorably served in the Navy from January 26, 1945 to August 3, 1946; and
WHEREAS, during his service, Harold Bray demonstrated unparalleled courage, resilience, and sacrifice while defending our cherished freedoms and protecting our way of life; and
WHEREAS, Harold Bray made the history books when he was assigned to the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) and subsequently survived one of the most dramatic maritime tragedies in U.S. history; and
WHEREAS, the ship’s sinking, after undergoing attack, led to the greatest single loss of life at sea in the history of the US Navy. Of the 1,195 sailors and marines on board, only 316 survived. Harold Bray is the last remaining survivor of the USS Indianapolis crew; and
WHEREAS, Harold Bray helped to protect Benicia’s residents and preserve the City’s way of life by serving with Benicia’s police reserves from 1959 to 1963, the Benicia police department from 1963 until his retirement in 1982 and was also instrumental in setting-up the Police Athletic League sports program for the youth of Benicia; and
WHEREAS, Harold Bray has displayed remarkable selflessness and compassion beyond his military service, continuously dedicating his time and efforts to support and uplift fellow Veterans; as well as actively engaging in volunteer work, community service initiatives, and mentorship, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals in Benicia and beyond; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Steve Young, Mayor of the City of Benicia, on behalf of the City Council of the City of Benicia, in order to extend our deepest gratitude and profound respect to Harold Bray, a true hometown hero and Veteran, hereby proclaim July 7, 2023 as “Harold Bray Day” and encourage Benicia residents to attend the Harold Bray statue unveiling on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Commandants Quarters to honor and celebrate Harold Bray’s exceptional achievements a d service.
______________________________
Steve Young, Mayor
June 20, 2023

https://beniciacf.org/supporting-beni...