-
- Members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 054-12-02, based in Painter, tow a wreath in memory of watermen lost at sea. The crew included John Evans, of Cape Charles; Ron West, of Machipongo; and Seymour Bradley, of Cape Charles.
-
- Two of Cape Charles’ few remaining skippers and crew line up in front the Thomas Jaiden. Pictured are, from left, Captain Thomas Heath of the Whistlin’ Dixie, of Cape Charles; his son, Captain Kenneth Heath of the Thomas Jaiden, of Cape Charles; and Thomas Jaiden crew, Len Spady, of Oyster, Justin Travis, of Cape Charles, and Chris Derwort, of Cape Charles.
-
- With slips and boats in the background, Rev. Virginia Greer addresses the audience.
-
- Congresswoman Elaine Luria listens to Hanks Martin, who sang the Star Spangled Banner.
-
- John Coker, Northampton County Board of Supervisors member, enjoys the ceremony.
-
- John Evans, of Cape Charles, lowers a wreath in memory of watermen lost at sea. Members of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 054-12-02, based in Painter, towed the wreath into the Chesapeake Bay. With Evans are Ron West, of Machipongo, and Seymour Bradley, of Cape Charles.
-
- Rev. Felton Sessoms, left, speaks with Rev. Virginia Greer, before the ceremony.
-
- The Station Cape Charles Color Guard carries flags into the ceremony. Members of the color guard are MK3 Keaton Sheddon; Seaman Lucas Graves, Seaman Ryan Ellis, and Boatswain’s Mate Kyle Hanson.
-
- Mayor Smitty Dize rings a ship’s bell seven times, a traditional tolling for the lives of watermen lost at sea.
-
- Jon Dempster, owner of The Shanty Restaurant, announces a $1,000 donation and asks others to contribute toward a planned watermen’s memorial.
Story and Photos by Jim Ritch –
Mayor Smitty Dize made a plea for upholding watermen and their culture at the annual Blessing of the Fleet Friday in Cape Charles.
“Let’s not make history. Let’s protect our heritage. I don’t want to see this in a museum,” Mayor Dize said.
Offering prayers were local clergy members the Rev. Felton Sessoms and the Rev. Virginia Greer.
