Iraq Sends Flowers for Memorial; Seaman’s Mother Takes the Order
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ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — The Iraqi government ordered a $140 memorial flower arrangement for the 37 men killed in the Iraqi missile attack on the U.S. Navy frigate Stark, and a florist whose son is a Navy seaman in the Persian Gulf got the job.
“I deliver from anywhere in the free world, but this was a shock,” said Mary Deal, who received the order Friday at her plant shop two hours after President Reagan left a memorial service at nearby Mayport Naval Station.
The wreath, an arrangement of roses, carnations, lilies and gladioli with a banner spelling out “Iraqi Government,” was delivered Friday night to the base chapel. It was ordered through a florist in Washington.
The card said: “With Condolences. The Iraqi Government and People.” Iraq has apologized for the attack and said that its military did not intend to target a U.S. warship.
“But I thought they could have spent more,” Deal said.
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