Volunteers, service members and families gather at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment to attend a memorial honoring the Coast Guardsmen and fishermen who have lost their lives along the Columbia and Quillayute River bars during a memorial ceremony at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Jan. 10, 2016.
More than 150 people, including friends and family members of those lost at sea attended the memorial.
U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg
Members of the Patriot Guard Riders display American flags in a show of respect for the Coast Guardsmen and fishermen who have lost their lives along the Columbia and Quillayute River bars during a memorial ceremony at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Jan. 10, 2016.
The Patriot Guard Riders are a group of volunteers who ensure respect during memorials for service members, first responders and honorably discharged veterans.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg
Members of Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment prepare for the 21-gun salute during a memorial ceremony at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Jan. 10, 2016.
The 21-gun salute was rendered to honor past Coast Guardsmen and fishermen who have lost their lives along the Columbia and Quillayute River.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg
Volunteers, service members and families gather at the Cape Disappointment light house to observe the laying of the wreath and a 21-gun salute honoring the Coast Guardsmen and fishermen who have lost their lives along the Columbia and Quillayute River bars during a memorial ceremony at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, Jan. 10, 2016.
The gift of flowers at a memorial sight is a ritual recognized throughout the world.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg
WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard hosted a memorial service, Sunday, at Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Washington, in tribute to Coast Guardsmen and mariners who lost their lives during four separate tragic accidents on the Columbia River and Quillayute River bars.
Approximately 150 family, friends, former and current Coast Guardsmen and fellow mariners participated or attended the short ceremony, which consisted of remarks from former shipmates of those who were lost, land and sea wreath ceremonies and a bell ringing after each name was read.
"Memorials such as this provide an important link to the past," said Capt. Daniel Travers, commander Sector Columbia River. "Through these memorials, we are reminded not only of the bravery and courage of those who have come before us, but also of the risks and dangers of our profession."
The tribute recognized:
- The seven lives, five Coast Guardsmen and two mariners, lost 55 years ago, Jan. 12, 1961, attempted rescue of two crewmembers aboard the 38-foot fishing vessel Mermaid by the crew of the 52-foot Motor Life Boat Triumph near the Columbia River Bar.
- The three lives, all Coast Guardsmen, lost of 10 aboard Coast Guard 41-foot Utility Boat 41332, Nov. 15, 1977, during night navigation training near the Columbia River Bar.
- The three lives, one Coast Guardsman and two mariners, lost, Jan. 11, 1991, during rescue operations, of the 75-foot fishing vessel Sea King in, which two Sea King crewmembers were rescued near the the Columbia River Bar.
- The three lives, all Coast Guardsmen, lost during the Feb. 12, 1997, rescue operations of two crewmembers aboard the 31-foot sailing vessel Gale Runner near the Quillayute River Bar.
Personnel at Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment host this memorial service annually at the beginning of the new year in honor of Coast Guardsmen who paid the ultimate sacrifice.