"Risk Management and Improvise" were the guidelines September 11's scheduled Parade of Ships sponsored by the USCGA Division

One.

Faced with gale winds throughout the day and mixed forecasts for high winds possibly subsiding (time uncertain) in the evening, the message went out in the form of a watch and wait mode. This was changed to use contingency plans around 5:30 p.m.

Each flotilla rose to the occasion as expected and shifted locations to land based operations up and down the coast from Amityville to points east.

Word was sent via Internet, phone and VHF to reach vessel captains. Lindenhurst, Amityville area flotillas held moving ceremoniesdockside and joined with town and village memorial services as individually reported including photos.

In the Babylon, West Islip, Bayshore area, the memorial service was held at the Babylon Yacht Club where officers and members of The Long Island Yacht Club, Babylon Yacht Club, local boaters friends and neighbors from surrounding communities participated in an emotional memorial event which began at sundown.

As the crowd gathered on the club porch and along the docks, Paul Steinberg, USCGA introduced special participants, Commodore Bud Caputo and Board members from Babylon Yacht Club, the Commodore and Board Members from Long Island Yacht Club, Harvey Miller, Division Captain USCGA, John McEachen Flotilla Commander 1-1 and flotilla officers, Patricia Allen the talented bagpipe player, Steve Markham, Rotarian and vocalist.

The ceremony began with silent prayer and the sound of Amazing Grace played by Patricia Allen as memorial wreaths were displayed and carried to the USCGA patrol facility with Captain William Jacobs and crew from Flotilla 1-1 on board. The crowd stood silent, tears were abundant as the auxiliary vessel slowly moved out into the Bay with the winds momentarily subsiding as if being guided by the spirit of those being honored. One by one the three wreaths were gently placed into the waters of the Great South Bay and could be seen drifting North East into the darkness.

When the vessel returned dockside, all present joined Steve Markham in singing our national anthem. The ceremony was concluded by the speaking of simple but more meaningful then ever now words, "God Bless America."