Memorial Day Observance

 

On Saturday, May 5, 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 15 

This year’s event was dedicated to the men and women who took part in the WW II battle of Guadalcanal.  In recognition of the many service members who made the ultimate sacrifice on that day and throughout the history of the United States, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Division 15 has continued the efforts of Mr. Ken Harrington, creator of the local monument.

The U. S. Coast Guard Douglas Munro monument was built in honor of USCG Signalman Douglas Munro.  Munro is the only Coast Guardsman to earn the Medal of Honor because of his heroic actions during the battle of Guadalcanal.

Taking part in this year’s event were the following:  USCG Station Yankeetown, USCG Auxiliary Division 15 members, Mike Gudis – Crystal River City Councilman, Crystal River High School JROTC (CWO Elizabeth Rivera-Commander), Young Marines of Citrus County, and the Citrus County Cruisers antique car club.  

This project came about through the efforts of personnel at the USCG Station Yankeetown and Ken Harrington who spear-headed the project.  Mr. Harrington was a Crystal River resident and member of the Crystal River Fraternal Order of Eagles.  

A few years ago, when Mr. Harrington was interviewed about the monument by Linda Jones, Division 15 Events Coordinator and Staff Officer for Public Affairs, he said that this monument was erected to honor not only Douglas Munro and the U.S. Coast Guard, but ALL the men and women of the armed forces who gave their lives while serving their country.

The observance was held at the USCG Monument in honor of SM1c Douglas A. Munro, USCG, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic and selfless actions in the completion of a rescue mission at Guadalcanal on Sept. 27, 1942.

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 Thanks to everyone who participated in the ceremony and to all in attendance.

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