Veterans from around Maine and beyond took part in the third annual veterans’ cruise on Sunday, June 10.

Seven lobstermen volunteered their boats and time to provide a tour from the Tugboat Inn and encircling Southport Island. The Pink Lady and  Nellie G II took on additional passengers for the almost two-hour excursion.

Attendees had refreshments before boarding and a cookout with hamburgers and hot dogs on their return, according to organizer Phil Chapman.

Veterans from all branches of the service and ranging to age 93 attended. Special consideration was made for several disabled veterans.

Among attendees was veteran Claire B. Starnes of Sanbornville, New Hampshire. She served in the Army Signal Corps as a photographer during the Vietnam War and later spent 17 years tracking down other women who served in Vietnam and compiling their stories in the book, “Women Vietnam Veterans, Our Untold Stories.”

Chapman said 65 veterans attended this year’s cruise event.

Contributions

Chapman wished to acknowledge the individuals and organizations who contributed to the successful event. Veteran biographer Sarah Sherman McGrail was the event’s guest of honor and was presented with a plaque from the military community.

Special thanks to Bonnie Stover and the Tugboat Inn for hosting the breakfast and barbecue and Debbie and Daren Graves for registering all of the veterans.

Boat captains: Larry Knapp (Lady Esther), Nick Hawke (Illusion), Andy Hawke (Lelia), Clive Farrin (Sea Swallow), Rusty Court (Casey Anne), Maynard Brewer (Sherm Jake), Ryan Casey (Heather Lee), John Fish (Pink Lady), George McEvoy (Nellie G II).

Sponsors: Ames Supply, Bayview Lodge, Boothbay Harbor Country Club, Charlie’s Motor Mall, Deckz, First Federal Savings & Loan, First National Bank, Freedom Auto, Giles Rubbish, Hammond Lumber, Harold Bishop Agency, Hawke Motors, J. Edward Knight Insurance, Janson’s Clothing, Jordan Construction, Lions Club, Legion Post #36, Rotary Club, Shore Hills Campground, Washburn & Doughty Shipyard and Bath Saving Institution.

Gift donations: E.M. Wood, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Robinson’s Wharf, Ports of Italy, Red’s Eats, Mine Oyster, Grover’s Hardware and East Boothbay General Store.

Cooking crew: Nick Upham, Stephanie Hawke, Jack Brennan, Paul and Louise Cowan and John Ryan.

Baked good: Circle K, Red Cup and Blue Moon Cafe contributed muffins and T & D Variety provided doughnuts.

Additional thanks to Steve Rubicam for photographing the event, Art Mayers for covering the event for the Boothbay Register, Leisha MacDougall and Harbor Tech Solutions, and the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library for copies made for the cruise.