Mount Vernon Yacht Club Celebrates Commissioning Day

Boating season kicked off amid gray skies and rain at Mount Vernon Yacht Club on Sunday. With much optimism, attendees braved the weather and carried on with the annual commissioning day ceremonies outdoors.

“It’s not just a once a year chance to put on our blues and whites … but an honor to a century old custom of celebrating the entry of vessels and their crews into active service,” said Commodore Ron Reinsel in his opening remarks.

Bart Hewitt, accompanied by the Mount Vernon Community Band, performed the National Anthem. The presentation of colors, as well as the commissioning of the club and the silent drill, was provided by the U.S. Coast Guard. Rev. Charles Oberkher of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon performed the invocation.

Elected officials in attendance included Sen. Linda T. “Toddy” Puller (D-36), Del. Scott Surovell (D-44), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D), and Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland (D).

“This is a staple on my calendar every year,” said Chairman Bulova, who has attended the event since being elected in 2009. “I really enjoy this wonderful ceremony and it’s a reminder of the history of our great nation and of Fairfax County, when transportation meant transportation by boat on the waterways.”

Del. Surovell assured club members about state government efforts to improve the safety of streams in the Mount Vernon area and reminded them of the importance of keeping these waters clean.

“This river is an important part of our community, it’s an important asset,” Del. Surovell said.

As of Friday, however, Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) signed a new redistricting bill that will put Dogue Creek, home of the Mount Vernon Yacht Club, in Del. Dave Albo’s (R) district. Del. Surovell will continue to represent Mount Vernon and the Route 1 corridor.