Memorial Weekend 2009

FF Steven Coakley Memorial Weekend
Madeira Beach, FL
October 2009

Family and friends, near and far, New York firefighters along with Florida firefighters and emergency workers attended the memorial weekend. It started out with some remembrance events at “Steve’s Place” in Madeira Beach, FL that included placing 343 American flags around the memorial area in honor of Steve and all the firefighters that were lost on September 11th. A monument of a little boy firefighter was placed and dedicated in the memorial area on the Bay Point Causeway. There was also a very moving dove release where the doves flew out over the water behind Steve’s house into the beautiful blue sky. Many of the family, friends and “brothers” took place in some fun competitions such as a tug-of-war between docks over the water, kayak races across and back and the traditional swim across also. Other events included an adventurous, due to the windy weather, ferry ride to visit Egmont Key and the traditional “Coakster’s Pub Crawl”. The weather was a bit on the cooler side for Florida weather but the sun was shining so it made everything all good!

In work and in play they will not be forgotten, not for one day.