By Bob Henderson, Correspondent
Representatives from county and city government, the Clay County Sheriffs Office,
The Auxiliary, while not armed, will assist both the Coast Guard and the Sheriff's Marine Patrol in enforcing no wake zones, manatee protection areas and safe boating rules as well as render aid in emergencies.
As guests and participants arrived for the ceremony, they were greeted by military and patriotic music coming from speakers strategically located around the area.
Promptly at 10 a.m. the distant sounds of a bagpipe drifted over the assembly and CG Piper Arthur Tenney came into sight followed by a four-person color guard.
Cdr. Jesse Steven, commander of
Master of Ceremonies John Russette introduced Fred Cook, commander of Mandarin Flotilla 14-8 from which the Green Cove Springs flotilla is a spin-off. He also introduced Sheriffs Deputy Chris Costelli of the CCSO Marine Patrol and Capt. David Pedan, dock master for Reynolds.
Switching instruments, Tenney took up a trumpet and sounded the Call to Colors as the color guard ceremoniously raised the American Flag to the top of one of the two brand new flagstaffs. The National Anthem brought everyone to attention.
Following the raising of the Stars and Strips, the Coast Guard’s own flag was hoisted to the top of a slightly shorter pole.
The two new flags whipped about proudly in the breeze.
By then it was getting pretty warm and the audience was happy to follow the bagpipes and color guard as they left the area.
A lunch provided by the Auxiliary in the base dining room gave participants an opportunity to socialize out of the heat.
