What promises to be an unforgettable day for military veterans this Saturday will be the fifth year that Fins for Freedom has honored men and women who have given of themselves in protection of the nation.
Dan Brady, one of the team that comprises Fins for Freedom, a group designed specifically to thank veterans by offering the thrill of a full day fishing at sea, noted there is still room for one or two more veterans to be included in the group of up to 100 who are registered to be treated at no cost on 27 boats of all sizes and their volunteering captains for the event which begins with breakfast at the Municipal Yacht Harbor and ends with bragging rights and prizes at a gala dinner at the end of a day of fishing.
Brady said his Fins for Freedom team is especially proud of the boat owners and captains providing this opportunity since he has now learned that 65 of those registered for the day have never had a day of leisurely fishing at sea, an increase over last year when approximately half of the military honored had been on at least one fishing trip in their lives.
The fishermen and their sailing crews will be met by MAST students, members of the NJROTC unit at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook and will enjoy breakfast beginning at 6 :30a.m. at the Senior Center at the Harbor. There will be time for the boat crews and their guests to meet and greet each other before going to each of the boats in the harbor where the captains have offered their talent and crafts to make the day possible. MAST students have volunteered each year to assist in the registration and gift giving portions of the program, and say they especially enjoy talking with the veterans and learning of their experiences while in service.
Captains are meeting in the senior building at 7 Friday night to receive last minute instructions and learn the number of fishermen who will be sailing with them.
Following registration and breakfast Saturday morning, the boats will be loaded by 8:30 and underway for the full day at sea.
Boats will return some time in the late afternoon with dinner at On the Deck Restaurant at the harbor from 4 to 7 p.m.
“We are all looking forward to the 5th Anniversary for Fins For Freedom and 250 years of freedom provided by our armed forces!, “ Brady said speaking for the Fins for Freedom team and all the boat owners volunteering for the day’s activities. Included among this year’s guests are some who have participated in the past, at least one couple who are both veterans, veterans who are the parents of veterans, and veterans of each branch of service.
For further information on the program, or the possibility of still registering as a veteran to participate this year, visit Fins for Freedom.org or call 908-433-5330
Veterans
Following registration and breakfast Saturday morning, the boats will be loaded by 8:30 and underway for the full day at sea.Boats will return some time in the late afternoon with dinner at On the Deck Restaurant at the harbor from 4 to 7 p.m.“We are all looking forward to the 5th Anniversary for Fins For Freedom and 250 years of freedom provided by our armed forces!, “ Brady said speaking for the Fins for Freedom team and all the boat owners volunteering for the day’s activities. Included among this year’s guests are some who have participated in the past, at least one couple who are both veterans, veterans who are the parents of veterans, and veterans of each branch of service.For further information on the program, or the possibility of still registering as a veteran to participate this year, visit Fins for Freedom.org or call 908-433-5330
