Ocracoke Honors WWII Sailors
Each year, the Ocracoke community, in partnership with the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, hosts a ceremony in remembrance of the sailors lost when the HMT Bedfordshire was torpedoed off the coast of Ocracoke in May of 1942.
For the first time, the Current's own Crystal Canterbury was the volunteer organizer of the event and the luncheon that followed it, on behalf of Ocracoke Civic and Business Association. Crystal feels a special connection to the British Cemetery (read all about that here), and was happy to take over the duties when Janey Jacoby retired from the job last year.
The graveside ceremony, which includes a procession by the Coast Guard Auxillary Pipe Band, remarks and speeches from the British and Canadian Naval Attachés, a 21-gun salute from the Coast Guard Honor Guard, and the playing of Taps (by Ocracoke's own Howard Bennink) and Amazing Grace (on bagpipes), is somber and dignified. Ocracoke School seniors Cecelia Carter and Josie Winstead participated by reading the history and roll of honor (i.e., the Bedfordshire's crew list, all of them very young men) during the ceremony. Emotions can run high. Even though it was 74 years ago, those who attend still appreciate the protection our coast received from our British allies.
It was a beautiful day and the rain held until the service was over. Local regulars, visitors, passersby, and even a few canine friends created a large gathering that spilled out from under the tent and into the yard and street.
It's Crystal's responsibility to make sure the cemetery and British flag are maintained, and to coordinate the reception. Of course, she didn't do it alone and has a long list of people to thank: "[Friday] was wonderful, due largely to all the volunteers and local businesses who contributed their time and talents. Thank you to: Stephanie Lyons, Corey Cutright, Danielle Creeksong, and Janey Jacoby for helping to set up Thursday evening for the reception; Chelsea Simister for baking some seriously fabulous desserts (they were eaten up quickly!); Margaret Trainer, Ernie Westervelt, Linda Scarborough, Janey Jacoby, Chelsea Simister, and Will Canterbury for serving a delicious spread of food catered by Daphne Bennink and The Back Porch Restaurant; Will for helping me with the final touches this morning; Jason Wells and Jimmy Bowen for providing last minute and delicious iced tea; Dick Jacoby for manning the beverage station; Sharon Brodisch and Corey for letting us borrow coolers for ice; Chester Lynn of Annabelle's Antiques for the most beautiful flower arrangements, which everyone admired and enjoyed; Ocracoke Boy Scout Troop 290 and Ocracoke Cadette Girl Scouts; Howard Bennink for Taps; members of United States Coast Guard, British Royal Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, The Museum of the Graveyard of the Atlantic; Ocracoke School students for donating your time; National Park Service employees Matthew Sitterson, Corey Cutright, and Mandy Harmon for being present; and Hyde County Sheriff's Deputies Rob King and Capt. Jason Daniels for directing traffic. Hyde County Sheriff Guire Cahoon was also in attendance, which was an unexpected and great surprise. Jennifer Rich and Ocracoke Garden Center replaced the old gravel with new, and planted new flowers around the cemetery. The site really looks nice. Thanks go to them and the U.S.C.G Station Hatteras. Thank you to everyone who contributed at every step leading up to, during, and after the events!"
Crystal enjoyed meeting and working with the Graveyard of the Atlantic crew, and the personable and charming attachés, who both seemed appreciative and happy to be on Ocracoke on a gorgeous day in May. (Well, it was gorgeous until the heavens opened and the rain poured, but by then the guests of honor were out of their dress uniforms and into their civvies, so no worries.)
One of Crystal's favorite moments happened when she and her volunteers were cleaning up the reception. Everyone in the room helped, including the distinguished guests. As the Royal Canadian Attaché Commander Ian Wood carried several chairs up the stairs Crystal told him, "You're not supposed to be doing this! You're the company!" He replied, smiling, "Well, we'd like you all to invite us back!"
