Fundraiser

Supporting the Preservation of History: A Fundraiser for The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial

In the heart of Sonoma Valley, where rolling vineyards produce some of the world’s finest wines, history and legacy converge through an extraordinary collaboration. Fog Crest Vineyard, the only Black female-owned winery in Sonoma Valley, is spearheading a noble initiative to help support The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history of The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and the profound stories associated with it. This fundraiser not only offers an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of an essential chapter of American history but also introduces a limited-run 2023 Estate Pinot Noir, carefully crafted to honor the memory of the sailors who were injured, protested, and those who tragically lost their lives during the Port Chicago disaster.

A Fundraiser with Purpose: Fog Crest Vineyard’s Tribute to Port Chicago

Fog Crest Vineyard has graciously offered to help support The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial by creating a unique and meaningful way for individuals to support this important cause. The Winery has produced a limited-run 2023 Estate Pinot Noir, a wine that embodies the spirit of Sonoma Valley while paying tribute to the memory of the Port Chicago sailors. This special edition wine is not just a product but a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.

A significant portion of the proceeds from the sale of this limited-production 2023 Estate Pinot Noir will go directly to The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial, supporting their ongoing efforts to preserve the Memorial and educate the public about the Port Chicago disaster. By purchasing this wine, supporters can enjoy a high-quality product from a distinguished vineyard while also contributing to a cause that honors the legacy of those who were harmed by the disaster and those who gave their lives in service to their country.

The involvement of Fog Crest Vineyard in this fundraiser is particularly poignant, given its status as the only Black female-owned winery in Sonoma Valley. This collaboration underscores the importance of representation and the role that diverse voices play in preserving and sharing our collective history. It is a testament to the power of community, memory, and the enduring impact of historical events on our present and future.

How Can You Support This Effort?

Supporters of this fundraiser can purchase the limited-run 2023 Estate Pinot Noir directly from Fog Crest Vineyard’s website at [www.fogcrestvineyard.com]. Each bottle purchased not only contributes to the preservation of the Port Chicago story but also serves as a powerful reminder of the sailors’ sacrifice and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition.

This fundraiser is a unique opportunity to be part of a meaningful cause that honors the past while looking towards a future where stories like that of Port Chicago are not just remembered but serve as catalysts for change. By supporting The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial through this fundraiser, we can ensure that the legacy of the Port Chicago sailors lives on, inspiring future generations to learn, reflect, and advocate for a more just and equitable world.

The Tragedy at Port Chicago: A Story of Sacrifice and Injustice

The Port Chicago disaster stands as one of the most devastating and pivotal events in American military history. On July 17, 1944, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine was rocked by a massive explosion as the E. A. Bryan and the Quinault Victory, two ships being loaded with ammunition destined for the Pacific theater, were obliterated in 2 catastrophic blasts which also impacted the town of Port Chicago. The explosions killed 320 sailors and injured 400 sailors and civilians, the majority of whom were African American sailors working under segregated conditions in the U.S. Navy. The force of the explosion was so immense that it was felt as far as San Francisco, shattering windows and sending debris flying for miles.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the surviving sailors were faced with the grim task of clearing the wreckage, which included retrieving the dismembered remains of their fallen comrades. The emotional and psychological toll of this horrific duty cannot be overstated. These sailors, already subjected to the harsh realities of racial segregation and discrimination, were now forced to confront the unimaginable horrors of war in the most personal and direct way possible.

However, the story of Port Chicago does not end with the tragedy itself. In a shocking miscarriage of justice, 50 of the surviving sailors were charged with mutiny after they refused to return to the dangerous and dehumanizing work of loading ammunition under the same unsafe conditions that had led to the disaster. These sailors, who were simply seeking assurances of safety, were court-martialed and sentenced to 15 years of hard labor. Additionally, 206 other sailors who initially refused to work but later complied under threat of death were tried in Summary Courts-martial and received Bad Conduct Discharges, effectively ending their military careers and tarnishing their records.

The Port Chicago disaster and its aftermath highlight the deep-seated racial injustices that permeated the U.S. military during World War II. It is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by African American service members, who not only fought for their country but also struggled for recognition and equality within their own ranks.

Preserving the Legacy: The Role of The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial

The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial is a dedicated organization committed to preserving the memory of the Port Chicago disaster and ensuring that future generations understand its significance. The Memorial stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors who served at Port Chicago, as well as a reminder of the injustices they faced. The nonprofit’s mission is to educate the public about this crucial piece of American history, advocate for the recognition and honor of the sailors who were wronged, and support efforts to correct historical inaccuracies and omissions.

Through educational programs, commemorative events, and advocacy efforts, The Friends of Port Chicago National Memorial work tirelessly to keep the story of Port Chicago alive. Our work is vital in ensuring that the lessons of Port Chicago are not forgotten and that the sacrifices of the sailors are properly acknowledged and respected. Leading this effort for decades resulted in the 78th Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Torro, exonerating the sailors wrongfully convicted of mutiny and given 15-year prison sentences and those sailors found guilty at Summary Courts-martial and given Bad Conduct Discharges. Justice prevailed and the history will continue to be corrected. Help us in this effort by visiting our Donate page and by visiting Fog Crest Vineyard. Thank you for your partnership.

You help make the difference!