Auxiliarist’s Memorial Dedicated

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Some 300 members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and community remembered past Auxiliary members during a ceremony today dedicating a memorial built in their honor at Coast Guard Island.

"I'm humbled and privileged to dedicate this unique memorial to our shipmates-Coast Guard Auxiliarists-who have been laid to rest after years of selfless service to their nation," said Rear Adm. Joseph "Pepe" Castillo, 11th Coast Guard District commander.  "The memorial before us is a fitting tribute that will ensure their tireless dedication, volunteer service, and passion to help the public won't be forgotten.  It is also a reminder to our family and friends that they are never far from our thoughts and hearts."

Built in a semi-circle surrounding the Coast Guard emblem inlaid in concrete, the triangular, granite slabs bear the names of 308 men and women who served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s District 11, Northern Region, and died between 1976 and 2010.   Fifty-seven dedicated Auxiliarists, active duty Coast Guard members and civilians volunteered more than 2,000 hours over an eight-year period to make the memorial a reality.

"We are pleased that we finally succeeded in completing this project and are able to honor those who have done so much for the Coast Guard," said Roger Haynes, vice commander of the Auxiliary’s Past Commander’s Association and project manager since December 2010.

The Auxiliary’s District 11, Northern Region, encompasses Northern California, Utah and Nevada.

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Coast Guard bagpiper Dean McFarren plays prior to the presentation of colors during a ceremony dedicating a new memorial honoring deceased Coast Guard Auxiliarists at Coast Guard Island. Built in a semi-circle surrounding the Coast Guard emblem inlaid in concrete, the triangular, granite slabs bear the names of 308 men and women who served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s District 11, Northern Region, and died between 1976 and 2010.		Current U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarists admire a new memorial at Coast Guard Island honoring Auxiliarists who have passed away. Built in a semi-circle surrounding the Coast Guard emblem inlaid in concrete, the triangular, granite slabs bear the names of 308 men and women who served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s District 11, Northern Region, and died between 1976 and 2010.		U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliarist Tony Zocchi points out the name of his father, Jim, on a new memorial at Coast Guard Island honoring Auxiliarists who have passed away. Jim Zocchi served in the Auxiliary for 39 years before passing away on Feb. 10, 2009. Built in a semi-circle surrounding the Coast Guard emblem inlaid in concrete, the triangular, granite slabs bear the names of 308 men and women who served in the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s District 11, Northern Region, and died between 1976 and 2010.

 

 

~mg 02-10-12