The 24th Annual Lost at Sea Memorial Ceremony was held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25 at the Cayucos Pier Plaza.
A couple of hundred people turned out for the solemn ceremony that pays tribute to all souls lost at sea — both military and civilian.
Organized by the Lost at Sea Committee and supported by numerous local service organizations, the ceremony went on this year for the first time without one of its long-time participants, the late Maj. Jim Murphy (U.S. Army Ret.), who died last year. His family was on hand to honor him, and emcee Trudy O’Brien gave a touching tribute.
The ceremony also specifically honors commercial fishermen lost at sea and is highlighted by performances by trumpeter and Retired Marine, Jerry Boots, who played the “National Anthem” and various military anthems, including the newest one for the Space Force.
Bagpipe and drum performances with piper Paul Dunn and drummer Bob Ratliff included “The Skye Boat Song” and “Amazing Grace.”
A color guard from Coast Guard Station Morro Bay led the procession down the pier where a wreath of flowers is traditionally tossed into the sea, with a water canon salute by a Morro Bay Harbor Patrol boat.
The ceremony also included the debut performance of a special song by the Cuesta Concord Chorus directed by Cassandra Tarantino.
There was a flyover by the Estrella Warbirds in the Missing Man Formation. The Sea Cadets also participated in the ceremony dressed in their snappy white uniforms and the POW/MIA remembrance ceremony was performed by Thomas Worth Vogel and Adrian Hurtado.
Air Force veterans Dan Costley and Donna Archer had the honors of tossing the wreath into the sea to end the ceremony.
Committee member, O’Brien, served as master of ceremonies and was assisted by her husband Jeremiah in the “Tolling of the Bells Tribute.”
The photos depict scenes from the ceremony that next year will celebrate its 25th Anniversary. It’s been held annually except for 2020 when the COVID pandemic canceled it.
It was even held during the years that the Cayucos Pier and Cayucos Vets Hall were closed and under construction.
