There could have been a light rain falling that morning, or the sun could have been waiting to burst on the scene. Such was the weather pattern in Yakima, Wash., and on the morning of Sept. 5, 1943, there was no difference. A ray of sunlight was evident when Allen M. Blue was born and a new life began.

Allen was the firstborn of four children. He, along with his brother and two sisters, grew up in Spokane, Wash., where at a young age he displayed unusual curiosity. His enthusiasm propelled his interests in many directions. That childlike quality better prepared him for life in the 50s.

Allen was the "leader of the pack," and his optimistic approach to life and valuable sense of humor was a guide that helped mold the lives of his siblings. If all else failed in his life, he could have found solace as a comedian.

Art, science, landscape architecture, law ... all these things, new to him, were a challenge that he accepted. He was an excellent student who was gifted. He maintained high grades with minimum effort. There is little doubt that Allen would have reveled in the wonders of the high-tech computer age of the 80s.

Allen graduated from John R. Rogers High School in 1961 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to "A" school at the Army Language School in Monterey, Calif. He completed his military obligation and was discharged from the Navy. His interest in continuing education brought him to the University of Maryland. While pursuing a degree, he realized that his language background qualified him for employment with the National Security Agency (NSA). He took a civilian position in the hopes of continuing his quest to become successful in life while serving the best interests of his country.

Many years have passed since his death in June 1967. He was sent by the NSA to serve aboard USS Liberty. The situations, the camaraderie, the closeness ... the essence of Allen is still hanging in the air.