A Salute to Unsung Heroes

During an interview not long ago, we asked a Coast Guard rescue pilot how often mariners who’ve been rescued return to a Search and Rescue (SAR) base to personally thank their saviors. "Almost never," he said. Yet he wasn’t the least bit bitter about that fact. Risking their lives to save others is all in a day’s work for Coast Guardsmen, especially here in the Bay Area.

In fact, CG Station Golden Gate responds to more on-the-water emergencies than any other base in the nation — and unfortunately their efforts go largely unnoticed by the public that they serve. That’s why a newly formed group called Yacht Clubs Who Care has organized a special event called Picnic at the House of Heroes, which will take place Saturday, October 3 from noon to 3 p.m. at Station Golden Gate, adjacent to Horseshoe Cove (near the northern footing of the Golden Gate.)

The event’s purpose is to build "supportive relationships between the yachting community and Coast Guard families." This free event is open to the public, although space is limited, so organizers would appreciate an RSVP via email here. 

There will be an open house and facilities tours where attendees can meet and converse with Guardsmen, and learn about their work, plus boat tours, a helicopter rescue simulation, and a free lunch with beer supplied by Ol’ Republic Brewery. Sounds like a great opportunity to acknowledge the unsung heroes that stand by 24/7 to aid boaters in distress, no matter how daunting the mission.