The American flag swayed to the breeze as local residents and dignitaries came out to the 1935 Hurricane Monument in Islamorada for the annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday morning. Organized by the Matecumbe Historical Trust, the ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Barbara Edgar, president of the Matecumbe Historical Trust, followed by an invocation by Pastor Bob Pavey. Local boy scouts presented the colors and Dan Furmanik sang the National Anthem. Rep. Jim Mooney provided remarks on the Hurricane Monument, which served as a backdrop to the several speakers. The monument honors World War I veterans who were in the Keys working on the highway when a powerful storm took their lives and the lives of locals on Sept. 2, 1935. Monroe County Mayor David Rice and Vice Mayor Henry Rosenthal also provided remarks. Cinnamon Edgar and Stephanie Scuderi laid a wreath sponsored by Centennial Bank. The Daughters of the American Revolution also placed a wreath in front of the monument. Furmanik sang “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless the USA.” A benediction by Pastor Tony Hammon concluded the ceremony.
