Remembrance Day Sunday, November 8, 1998 1530 hrs, author Trudy Willison

The day started gloomy here in Pleasanton, gray skies, cold and raining. I watched the clock knowing that soon I would have to get ready for service. I showered, dressed, very merchant looking, a yellow and blue suit, nails painted red.

I get that crisp military look from my Dad who retired after 24 years in the Army, and served in WWII. I knew what this service would bring, memories of the 21-gun salute service for my father, my mother receiving the flag for me. My parents are now in heaven. My brother served in the Army also and now a retired Fire Capt. also both Bill and I serving in the Sheriffs Dept. we have been through these services before. I drove, so Bill could eat a sandwich, I had nothing as my inner guts were wrenching inside of me.

Bill on his lapel wore a red rose and I carried a single red rose. Usually for services like this the rose would be white, but I keep the love and faith for Capt. Guyan and his crewmembers.

We arrived at the Grace Cathedral, what a beautiful building. Bill was taking pictures and my knees were shaking as I walked up the steps to look for Capt. Paddy. I knew Capt. Paddy has a two-year-old and there was a couple standing with a child the man dressed in uniform. I asked, not looking at his stripes, "are you Capt. Paddy Sir", he said "no" and then said, "a Capt. has four stripes I only have two". I felt like an idiot, I should of have known that but I was nervous and that spoke louder in my head. Capt. Paddy found me as I told him on the phone what I would be wearing. He was dressed in his Merchant Marine Captain Uniform, except for the pants as he said he could no longer fit in those anymore with a sound of laughter.

We embraced as I asked him permission to do so for Sharon who was his purser years ago and also Capt. Jocks. Bill was now walking to join us. Capt. Paddy brought me white corsage to wear and a white rose for Bill to wear on his lapel; Bill wore both his red rose for love and hope and the white for peace.

We had now entered the Cathedral my heart was pounding. Tears had already flooded my eyes as we entered the pews. I asked Capt. Paddy what does Capt. Jock look like and as we turned our heads he was standing right there! We engaged in introduction and hand shaking and tears were swelling in our eyes.

Services began. I won't go into detail of the service as Bill has put the festival of Remembrance Day on the web page. Bagpipes filled the Cathedral and the bugle sounding aloud. We prayed, we sang, we listened to the words of Rev. Jones and other participants. The S/V Fantome name was not mentioned, however, what was mentioned was the Maritime Marines and friends and family were here in Remembrance of the Capt. and his 30 crewmen lost at sea due to hurricane Mitch. It was heartbreaking, but I kept the faith in my heart that there would be some survivors to be found.

I knew soon the bagpipes would sound aloud and play Amazing Grace, I could not sing as I was crying so hard, Capt. Paddy could barely sing a few words himself as tears flooded down his face. Bill embraced me and then I felt Capt. Paddy reaching over to me and holding on to my arm tight. Thousands of red poppies fell from the Cathedrals heaven.

Services were over, the American Military and British Military marched down the isle holding their flags, rifles and swords with honor. I looked in each of their eyes as they walked by and you could see their honor and pride and dignity broad shouldered representing their branch in the military. The bagpipes followed.

We all gathered at the Cathedral lobby Capt. Paddy and Capt. Jock introducing their family and friends to Bill and I. Josh, and his family, a student of Capt. Jock at the Maritime Academy. I felt honored and I felt as if we had become a part of one large family.

There was a reception to be held afterwards, but it was cold and we decided to walk across the street and have a "Pint" as Capt. Paddy said. We shared stories of our wonderful 10-year anniversary on the S/V Fantome
with Capt. Guyan and crewmembers. Both Capt. Paddy and Capt. Jock shared stories about Capt. Guyan and their sailing adventures. Soon tears became joy and laughter. A couple of drinks will do that to you. We took pictures in the pub; it was a bit dark so hopefully those will come out. I also brought my journal of the days we shared on the S/V Fantome with Capt. Guyan. I passed it around so they could all signed it. A treasured keeps sake for me.

Soon it was closure time (no we did not close the bar) Capt. Jock went to the reception with his family and friends. Capt. Paddy and Bill and my intentions were to go to the ocean and throw our roses into her. Capt. Paddy gave his rose to our Scottish bartender. Elizabeth was her name. We said our good-byes with handshakes and kisses.

The day will come when Bill and I will throw our roses to sea. Right now they are in the freezer for another time as when we sit in front of her, maybe someday, standing at the Helm with pride with Capt. Paddy and Capt. Jock wearing our S/V Fantome's baseball caps while Amazing Grace is playing.

Godspeed.

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