Sagamore Yacht Club officers and members officially welcomed the start of the boating season at the traditional Opening Day Ceremonies on Sunday, May 22. Past Commodore Rob Casale was Master of Ceremonies.
The club was appropriately decorated with the boating colors and the officers’ boats were at the dock also displaying the colors.
While members gathered around the flagpole on the front lawn overlooking our beautiful harbor, procedures for the ceremonies were announced—-the raising of our official flags and the re-commissioning of Sagamore Yacht Club
The order of the flag raising was as follows:
The Union Jack was raised by Dick and Janice Longworth
The Past Commodore’s flag was raised by Past Commodore Rob Casale, his wife, Denise, his daughter Kristina and his mom, Barbara.
The Rear Commodore’s flag was raised by Rear Commodore Gerald Lalonde, his wife Kris and Deanna Flanagan.
The Vice Commodore’s flag was raised by Vice Commodore Michael Gehrling, his wife Georgia and his dad, Fred.
The Commodore’s flag was raised by Commodore Darren Martin, his wife Donna, his daughter Faith and his dad, Don.
The Sagamore Yacht Club burgee was raised by Dockmaster Billy Friedman and launch driver, Eric.
At this point the request was made for the “Breast Salute and Cannon Ready” for the raising of the National Ensign. This honor was given to Paul and Joan Green.
When the flag reached the top, the cannon was fired.
The Pledge of Allegiance was called for by reciting “Ready Two”!
This was followed by the singing of the The Star Spangled Banner by Kristina Casale, daughter of Past Commodore Rob and Denise Casale.
Commodore Martin welcomed everyone and wished everyone a safe and enjoyable boating season.
After the formalities, everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet catered by Jack Halyard’s of Oyster Bay.
