From: Walter Murray <robroy104@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, Nov 8, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Subject: Madera Beach Veteran's Boat Parade
 


All,
    Flotilla 11-10, Dunedin,  was requested to assist Flotilla 11-3, Madera Beach for the Veteran's Boat Parade on Saturday 7 Nov. 2009. Resolute II drew the duty with coxswain, Gary Gray, crew Bill Clark, Walter Murray and trainee Al Vacca. The weather was sunny but with strong gusty winds. Resolute II got underway at 0800hrs for the trip south through the Narrows which would prove time consuming with all the no wake zones.

We rendezvoused with (3) 11-3 vessels, RCBEAR, PENNY WISE & EILEEN M at the McDonald's dock adjacent to American Legion Post 273 which is located on
the ICW (intracoastal waterway). There was a briefing on our assigned locations and to communicate via channel 83A and on Channel 68A for the parade officials. The parade was to start at 1100hrs.

While we were docked and rafted up I spoke with a skipper of a boat participating in the parade. His son is presently serving in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne Division and was flying their standard. I told him my son had served with the 82nd in Afghanistan and Iraq. I spoke with him, his wife and 2 of his younger sons about having a sibling in harm's way.I could idenitfy with how concerned they were and also how proud they were of him and his service to our country. We often think of the men and women serving our country who are in harm's way but don't realize all the moms, dads, brothers, sisters etc.who are with them in spirit back home.

The parade finally was underway on the arrival of a U.S. Army Mike boat (landing craft). The boats participating ranged from  16 foot jet boat to a 75foot yacht and all decked out with American flags and standards of different units. There were approximately 50 boats in the parade and the decor of the boats was only overshadowed by the enthusiasm of the people on shore and in the boats. The air was filled with pride and gratitude to our Veterans who served so honorably in the past and present wars.

The parade got underway from the American Legion Post proceeded south under the Thomas Stuart causeway and through a number of canals finally entering John's Pass where it turned and proceeded through the Grand Canal then back out to another canal around to the Treasure Island causeway and back north to the American Legion Post. The Elks club hosted a reception at their hall afterwards but Resolute II was under orders and had  to decline the invitation. All in all it was a very rewarding day sharing in this tribute to our veterans.

Slide Show on Youtube        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOmpdyuqYxQ

·