On a cool, overcast, but dry and windless afternoon, members of the Chapter gathered at Ford Cemetery in Dames Quarter, Maryland to honor another Chesapeake Bay lighthouse keeper. Along with 10 family members and approximately ten friends, we unveiled a new U.S. Lighthouse Service plaque at the headstone of Keeper William James Kelly. Keeper Kelly served at four Bay lighthouses, including Hooper Strait from 1930 to 1940. The thirty-minute long ceremony, emceed by Chapter programs chair Greg Krawczyk, included the playing of “Taps” by Coast Guard Commander Gerald O’Neil, remarks by Kelly’s son, Vernon and a group recitation of the “Lighthouse Keepers Prayer”. After the ceremony, we enjoyed lunch at the nearby home of one of Keeper Kelly’s sons – Robert Kelly.Come join the Chapter on Saturday, March 9 at 1:00 pm for our first grave marker ceremony of 2019 at the Ford Cemetery in Dames Quarter, MD where we will honor Keeper William James Kelly. Keeper Kelly served at four Bay lighthouses, including the Hooper Strait lighthouse from 1930 to 1940.
Any questions, email programs@cheslights.org
