Gold Star Mothers Maryland Chapter members were invited by Mr. Mark Fitzpatrick, Co-Chair of the Sponsor Committee, Wounded Warriors on The Bay Day to attend and participate in their 11th Annual Wounded Warriors Day on The Bay event (WWDOTB). The purpose of the event is to provide a Stress-free Day on the Chesapeake Bay for Wounded Warriors (WW) and their families. Kelly Swanson, Stephanie White, Donna Robinson, Khadidja Keita and Paula Davis represented the Maryland Gold Star Mothers Chapter. Khadidja Keita’s daughter, Sara joined and assisted the volunteers from a variety of veteran service organizations and community supporters to serve our heroes and their families. There were approximately 200 people who attended this event, including wounded warriors and their families, Vietnam Veterans, Captains, and volunteers. A special recognition and appreciation ceremony was held for the Wounded Warriors.
The ceremony was opened with the presentation of Colors. Katlyn Mitchell sang the National Anthem, Jon Boesche, On-Air Talent at CBS Radio Baltimore and On-Air Talent at Columbia Broadcasting was the master of ceremony, and Brigadier General Reid Novotny, was the guest speaker. The Maryland Gold Star Mothers helped to present “Thank you for Your Service” plaques to the Wounded Warriors, who also received a challenge coin, an insulated cooler thermal bag, a gift card and several other gifts. The Gold Star moms also received recognition during the ceremony, and a Wounded Warriors Day on The Bay tote bag filled with gifts. The children received school backpacks filled with supplies and they were also treated to a variety of activities.
Immediately after the ceremony, the WWs and their families and Gold Star moms were introduced to their assigned yacht Captain owner who would take them out on the Bay after lunch, which was provided by Mission BBQ. Gold Star moms were honored to join a WW and their family on the cruise. Yacht owners, who are members of several local yacht clubs, provided informative stories about the different landmarks as they toured the Bay into the Baltimore Harbor and back to the Maryland Yacht Club. They volunteered their resources, time, and vessels. As we went out to the Bay, we were pleasantly surprised to be “greeted” by Baltimore City Fire Department’s Fire Boats! Once the heroes and Gold Star moms returned from their cruise, they were treated to a feast that included steamed crabs, a variety of foods, and beverages which was provided by McKinney’s Catering. WWs were also given a raffle ticket as several donated items were raffled off. The fellowship was wonderful, the food was delicious, and the weather was delightful. The evening ended with TAPS. It was a GREAT DAY ON THE BAY!
