Today was the Ribbon Cutting ceremony hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. The people from the Chamber are outstanding partners and organizers for our great city and we were so proud to have Ian Scott, the President of the Chamber and Shannon Erickson who represents us at the State House, with us today for the ribbon cutting.
While Ribbon Cutting Day has been on our radar as a goal for some time, we view this as the beginning, not an ending. It is also the beginning of the weekend ceremonies that will last until Monday as we not only celebrate the opening of the golf course, but we will celebrate and honor Memorial Day with Patriot Golf Day tomorrow and our Flag Raising on Sunday. The weekend celebration will conclude with a traditional Memorial Day picnic on Monday.
Tomorrow, members and their invited guests will play golf on Patriot Golf Day. We are offering our guests a special Patriot Golf Day rate and we will be taking donations for the Palmetto Chapter of Folds of Honor. With your help, we can stand arm-in-arm with those families of fallen or disabled Veterans and First Responders by providing life-changing scholarships for their children. You do not have to be a golfer, or even a member, but if you have a warm spot in your heart for this incredible charity, please feel free to stop by the clubhouse at Cat Island Club and drop off a donation to this cause and learn more about becoming a wingman for the Folds of Honor.
Sunday, the weather is expected to clear up and at 2:00 PM, we have planned a ceremony to honor those fallen warriors that fought for our freedoms and paid the ultimate price. Everyone reading this note is welcome to attend the ceremony in the parking lot at Cat Island Club. Please be sure to arrive by 1:45 PM as the parking lots will be closed and the ceremony will begin. When you hear the bag piper, it is time to gather at the flagpoles. We will hear a stirring version of the National Anthem on the trumpet then a lone bugler will play the 24 mournful notes of Taps. Followed by the roar of F 35 jets from Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 led by Lieutenant Colonel Chris Brandt in a missing-man formation. For those of us who live in this beautiful city by the sea, Beaufort, South Carolina, we hear these jets almost every day. Like many of you, I pause and look up in wonder and often say a quick prayer for these heroes. On Sunday, you will not have to look very hard to see them as they will close out the Flag Raising ceremony on Cat Island Club in a manner that you will see, feel, and remember forever.
Monday’s picnic at the pool will begin at noon and it will be all that you would expect from a Memorial Day pool party. Food, beverages, and games at the pool will be the order of the day. And of course, we will have live music to enjoy. This is a members and invited guest party so we hope to see you all.
During this past week, we have had so many wonderful additions to the club. And I am not just talking about new members, however we love to boast about the growth that we are seeing in membership. But we have also accomplished many items on our checklist. Some may appear to be simple while others make a much bigger impact. Our parking lot and focal point of our flag poles has been beautifully landscaped, and our front entrance signage is now in place to welcome you all to Cat Island Club. While we are so pleased with these additions, it is the smiles and culture of our Club that is our proudest badge of honor. I am so proud of our team and all the passion and extra effort that they accomplished in the preparation of opening this club.
So, Beaufort and beyond, thank you for putting us on the map! Thank you for the warm welcome and well wishes you have sent our way. And most of all, thank you for accepting us into this community with welcome arms as we intend to serve this community in many ways, as we serve our members. Happy Memorial Day everyone and keep our service men and women in your prayers always.
With warmest regards,
Tim Mervosh
General Manager