As we all know, terrorists recently led a deadly attack at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan that resulted in many deaths – including thirteen United States service members. To honor the eleven Marines, one Soldier and one Sailor who were killed, last week I was joined in front of City Hall by members of City Council, municipal employees and representatives from VFW Post 1963 for a brief tribute, during which we paused for a moment of silence and read aloud the names of each service member who was killed.
The next time you drive by City Hall, please notice the thirteen American flags that are flying on the building’s front railings, and let those flags serve as a reminder of the men and women who died at Kabul Airport and the many others in uniform who have lost their lives for this Country.
Obviously, the tragic deaths that occurred at the Kabul Airport have resonated in the hearts of all Americans – and local property owners Jim and Christine White are certainly no exception. Not only were the Whites moved by that tragedy, they also helped organize a very special community tribute for the thirteen men and women in uniform who were killed.
Thanks to the Whites and the efforts of other good souls, a huge crowd of patriots gathered on Sea Isle City’s Promenade, dune paths and beaches on Saturday at 9 p.m. for a tribute called “Shine for Our Bravest,” which included a moment of silence while everyone shined the lights of their cell phones and flashlights skyward. It was a poignant and moving event, and I was extremely honored and proud to be there as our community came together to remember those fallen heroes.
My thanks go to everyone who made Saturday night’s Shine for Our Bravest vigil a reality, including Jim and Christine White, Commander Mark Lloyd and everyone at VFW Post 1963, Pastor Melissa Doyle-Waid and other members of Sea Isle City’s United Methodist Church, our local first responders, and all of the patriotic residents and visitors who attended that very special tribute.
Earlier this year, I predicted that the summer of 2021 was going to be “two summers in one,” simply because people were eager to enjoy themselves after the many challenges of 2020. I can now say with confidence that this was a tremendous summer season, because ever since Memorial Day Sea Isle City’s beaches have been filled with people, our Saturday night concerts were very well-attended, businesses seemed to be thriving, and I have noticed smiling faces everywhere I turned.
Also, our new pickleball courts at the Municipal Marina have gotten a great deal of use since they opened in May, our 2021 recreation programs had many participants, all of our public facilities were well-used, and this summer’s three new men’s basketball tournaments were each a success. Overall, I am very pleased with what I have seen and heard during the past few months!
Naturally, a wonderful summer season does not happen by accident – it requires a great deal of planning and plenty of coordination. Knowing this, I would like to thank all of the City employees who helped make this summer a success, including our public works, recreation, tourism, and beach tag employees – and all of the folks that help keep us safe year after year, including our police officers, firefighters, emergency medical responders, and lifeguards.
I would also like to thank the members of our local business community for ensuring that our guests were welcomed, entertained and well fed; and special thanks go to all of our local volunteers who share their time and talents with others, including Sea Isle’s amazing Beachcomber Tour Guides, the members of our many local civic organizations, the good folks at the Chamber of Commerce, and everyone else who helps make Sea Isle City a terrific place!
Even though Labor Day has come and gone, I remind everybody that the autumn is a wonderful time to be in Sea Isle City (in fact, many people say it is their favorite time of year). Not only is the weather ideal and the beaches less busy during the fall, we also have a variety of events on the horizon that prove what a fine community we have
Please mark your calendars now for Sea Isle’s annual Patriot Day Ceremony on September 11 at Veterans Park, where we will acknowledge the twentieth anniversary of 9-11. Also, please be sure to attend our POW-MIA Recognition Day ceremony on September 17 and Fall Family Festival on September 18-19. For information about other events taking place in Sea Isle City, please go to
www.VISITSICNJ.com.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to all of the people of Sea Isle City, including our year-round residents, second homeowners, seasonal visitors, and those who consider this their “home away from home.” Thank you all for choosing Sea Isle City and for making it the amazing community it has been, is now, and will continue to be as long as we have good people like you!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
