Bagpiper David Gregory provided music and this year, the UNG’s Corps of Cadets served as color guard.
The tradition continued at University Yacht Club as it celebrated its 75th Annual Opening Day in early April. A gathering of more than 200 people, plus club officials and 12 past commodores joined in the day’s events.
“As with Opening Day celebrations in years past, University Yacht Club honors our strong maritime traditions, such as the Blessing of the Fleet, and our Past Commodores, those who have served to lead our club over the decades,” said Butch Miller, commodore of the oldest boating club on Lake Lanier. “It’s also a time to express my deepest gratitude to our members for your time, your talent and your treasure. You make the University Yacht Club a special place: A refuge. A sanctuary. A respite from the hectic pace of the world.”
On a blustery Saturday afternoon, club members gathered on the Great Lawn, overlooking the lake and the clubhouse for an official ceremony that featured the University of North Georgia’s Corps of Cadets and bagpiper David Gregory. Miller welcomed 14 new members into the club and introduced this year’s Board of Governors. UYC Chaplain Caleb Clarke performed the Blessing of the Fleet.
“Those of you who know me, you know that I am no literary scholar,” Miller said in his remarks. “But, I find great inspiration in the words of history’s profound thinkers and leaders. Thomas Carlyle and Teddy Roosevelt being among my favorites. Carlyle’s 1840 lectures on heroism argued that history is but a biography of great men – men and women whose actions shaped the world and the future.
“That same concept of heroism and leadership is true of University Yacht Club. Our history is a biography of great men and women – men and women who selflessly have given their time, their talent and their treasure to build this club. Carlyle advocated for ‘hero worship,’ not worship in the religious sense, but as an acknowledgment of the impact individuals have on society. Today, we do just that.
Past Commodores attended Opening Day and were joined by Commodore Butch Miller, center back row, Vice Commodore Mike Lee, second from left back row and Rear Commodore Joe Parris, second from the right back row.
“At our ceremony and celebration today, we recognize individuals who shaped the legacy of University Yacht Club – those who have led, sacrificed and stood unwavering in their commitment to this club’s success,” Miller continued. “The Past Commodores we honor have rolled up their sleeves, given their time; they’ve risked criticism in pursuit of something greater than themselves. They have led with courage, vision and unwavering commitment to the good of this club and this community.
“Through their passion, their determination and their resilience, this club has endured. This club has prospered. These men and women have weathered storms, fought fires, recovered from floods, endured personal hardships, suffered losses, and conquered internal challenges … all in the name of the success of University Yacht Club. And yet, because of these men and women, the University Yacht Club has not only survived, but thrived.”
Following the ceremony, Miller and the Board of Governors hosted a Commodore’s Reception dinner and dancing in the clubhouse dining room.
To learn more about University Yacht Club, visit universityyachtclub.org.
Photos: by Laura McMahon
