ROCKLAND — It was a grand time Friday, May 1, as Rockland turned out for the Ninth Annual Coast Guard Appreciation Dinner at the Elk’s Lodge. Paul Dilger acted as Master of Ceremonies and kept the evening moving through recognitions, dinner and speakers.

Rockland was named a Coast Guard City in March of 2008. Do the math. There has been an appreciation dinner every year since, but the legacy of the Coast Guard and the city of Rockland go back a long way before that.

Annette Lorraine Young sang the National Anthem.

The Rockland City Coast Guard Committee’s primary members are Dot Black, Paul Dilger, Nancy Jeffers, Jim McDonald, Deb McNeil, Cynthia Powell, Laurie Smith and Brandy Perkins.

Matt Talbot, of the Maine Marine Patrol, was the featured speaker and he talked about the special working relationship that the Coast Guard and Marine Patrol had together in enforcement of fishing vessel safety, and search and rescue.

Commands and crews of the Rockland Station’s three cutters,Thunder Bay, Abbie Burgess and Tackle were introduced, as well as the personnel at Coast Guard Station Rockland.

A special recognition was given to the spouses of members of the station. Flowers were handed out and kisses were abundant as each was honored for the part they play in assisting their significant other in being part of the Coast Guard Rockland.

The following is a photo gallery of the event.