A Day of Remembrance of El Faro sailors and crew will take place Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at noon, at 44 Atlantic Street,
Rockland. This is a rain or shine event.

"October 1, 2025 will mark ten years since 33 souls were lost to the sea on the fateful day that the SS El Faro encountered Hurricane Joaquin, resulting in the worst maritime casualty to take place in 35 years," said Jay Sawyer, aka J-Bone, the artist who sculpted the El Faro Salute! where this remembrance will take place.

The program for this ceremony is being coordinated to include many people with a direct or distant connection to the tragedy.

Thirty-three lives were taken during Hurricane Joaquin; two of them hailed directly from Rockland.

"The loss of Danielle Randolph and Dylan Meklin was a strong blow to countless people in this region," said Sawyer. 

Reception

Following the Remembrance Ceremony, attendees are invited to travel 12 miles to the studio of artist Jay Sawyer, aka JBONE, for a reception and socialize in the spirit of remembrance, love and celebration of the lives lost that impacted so many in our community here in Knox County, Maine and extending along the coastal borders and all corners of our nation.

Access to Studio JBONE will be from the entrance at 131 Camden Road (Rte. 90), in Warren.

Tori Amborn will work the grill pit to roast two pigs and BBQ a large amount of chicken. This will be a BYOB event and please consider bringing along a side salad or any pot luck type dish to accompany the grilled food.

Proper footwear for outdoor lawn area is suggested. Consider bringing your fold out chairs and be sure to bring stories of those being remembered.

"All of you salty dogs can polish up your sea stories and as the afternoon progresses we will all be entertained with a selection of live music by The Dooryarders," said Sawyer.