Well my friends, this ceremony concludes the final act of my service as a bridge officer. Looking back I marvel at all that has come to pass these last three years. It has been the honor of my life to have had the privilege of presiding over the Governing of this Club. At first glance the duties associated with this office may have appeared daunting. but it is by that authority and responsibility which provides the possibility of high achievement. The author John Steinbeck wrote "it is the nature of man to rise to greatness if greatness is expected of him". This Hall in which we gather today has bore witness to those who have dared to expose themselves to public injury in order to advance a worthy cause, it is here in this arena that the spectacle of government is played out for all to see, here is where the climax of the final effort is performed and if their effort was done and done well they would know triumph and if not……. having failed would have failed for a noble purpose. As your Commodore I had the distinct honor to administer the Oath of Obligation 29 times. In the body of that oath one passage stands out in my mind that says "I promise to never bring reproach upon the Burgee of this Club". Webster's dictionary defines, "reproach" as discredit or disgrace. The nature of the oath is meant to reinforce the respect and dignity that we must all safe guard on behalf of the club and toward one another. For it is not meant only for the newly obligated members but is a reminder to all who are present of our own promise. Twenty six times Jennifer and I have had the honor to lead the Bridge Officers of the Grand XIV into the great halls of their respective Yacht Clubs. On many occasions upon our arrival at a Grand XIV function I have often heard the call "Bremerton, Bremerton is here". The accolades and respect we enjoyed abroad were won by the hard work of hundreds of individuals whose loyalty to this institution and dedication to excellence here at home, earned the Bremerton Yacht Club its high regard. When I leave this post, the memory of me will soon fade but I know that in the twilight of quiet evening's years from now I will reflect upon this experience and will remember many of the wonderful times we shared together. Jennifer and I will always be grateful for your kindness and understanding, during periods of difficulty, Especially when you consider the social demands of this office coupled with the responsibility of having a working family, with a very young child, It often necessitated an early departure…. and in many cases limited the amount of time we could spend with you, but during all that time, I always tried to apply what energy and resources I possessed in support of those I faithfully served and the Organization whose honor and dignity I was charged to defend. The trust you bestowed upon me and in no small measure the constancy of your support was the cornerstone of my strength and I am infinitely conscious of the part it has played in the course of events as passions agitated for a change of direction. Those passions have now cooled and it is my sincere hope that in the years ahead the course laid out by your new representatives will bring you every happiness. I bid you all an affectionate farewell, Don [Web-Editor: The WebTeam sincerely thanks the Ex-Commodore and Captain Jennifer Hardgrove for their great leadership and numerous contributions to the development and dynamic presence of the Web Site during their tenure on the Bridge. Let us encourage you, Don & Jennifer, to continue using your creative talents for the Good of the Club and its Web Site.] |
