Floral tribute-at-sea made by the Fort Myers Beach Yacht Club on Memorial Day.

The Fort Myers Beach Yacht Club honored those lost at sea on Memorial Day, as well as all service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. They also acknowledged recently departed relatives and friends.

The honors were performed in a ceremony one mile offshore from Bowditch Point on the Northern tip of Fort Myers Beach. Five boats with 42 members and guests on board gathered together and listened to their VHF radios on channel 72 while Club Chaplain Hester Curry broadcast a moving tribute.

The tribute was then followed by a moment of silent prayer. The ceremony was consummated with placement onto the Gulf waters of dozens of flowers from all the boats. Publix supermarket donated many of the flowers.

This Memorial Day service-at-sea ceremony was the 15th annual for the club. The service was followed by a luncheon held at the waterfront Matanzas Inn Restaurant on Fort Myers Beach.

The Fort Myers Beach Yacht Club was formed in 1953 and incorporated as a not for profit organization for the purpose of promoting safe, enjoyable boating and good fellowship. This community oriented club with over 100 members and 40 boats maintains a very active schedule of year-round activities. Meetings are held once a month normally at the American Legion Post on San Carlos Island.

Because the club does not have the expense of maintaining its own waterfront facility, dues are only $100 per year per couple. Prospective new members wishing additional membership information should contact the club’s membership chairperson Ms. Karen Swanbeck at 239-292-6285 or kdswanbeck@embarqmail.com.

Christensen is past commodore of the club.