Last night it was my pleasure, along with a few other Harbour Lighters, to be a part of a remembrance cruise to Minot's Light for the two Assistant Light Keepers Joseph Wilson and Joseph Antoine. Who, 150 years ago on April 16th, gave their lives trying to keep the light in the original tower.
I started the day by visiting the memorial which was dedicated last year on Government Island.
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This is the third time I have visited Cohasset in the last few years and the volunteers keep making more and more improvements. As some of my friends know, Minot's is my favorite light.
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At 6PM, about 200 of us left the Scituate pier on the Mass Bay Lines catamaran to start the cruise out to Minot's. It was a beautiful night and Doug Bingham (American Lighthouse Foundation) and John Galluzzo (Scituate Historical Society) lent their historical expertise on the way out. It was quite an experience finally seeing my favorite up close and personal. The Captain navigated the boat to within a few feet of the tower. I was so excited and caught up in the moment, that I never left the runway and missed the dinner that was provided (I hope it was good!)
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The real reason to being there was to lay a wreath in remembrance to the two lives lost at sea at the base of the tower. Some relatives of the two keepers helped in placing the wreath over the side.
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As we all watched the wreath disappear into the sea, a Coast Guard boat set off some flares to drift over the light, illuminating the water. It really was spectacular.
I had a wonderful time, as I hope all did and would like to take a moment and thank all that were involved in making this event happen. Also, a special thanks to two young men who gave everything they had to try to keep ships safe during one of the worsts storms in New England's history.
Kaiz [This message has been edited by Kaiz (edited 04-17-2001).]
