Ceremony Needs Your Support

The 2019 British Cemetery ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 10 at 11am with a reception immediately following. 2019 is the 77thanniversary of the sinking of H.M.T. Bedfordshire off the North Carolina coast. Representatives from the British Royal Navy and Royal Canadian Navy will be in attendance, as well as members of the United States Coast Guard, Ocracoke School students, visitors, and residents.

The Ocracoke ceremony can trace its ties to island families back to May 1942. The British Cemetery site has meant a lot to the people of Ocracoke, and has also become an important stop for visitors. As one stands at these gravesites, you begin to understand the kindness and respect people have shown for the men who died so far from home. The Ocracoke community has continued to help care for the gravesites, memorial, and to honor these British sailors.

The money raised each year goes to landscaping the garden and providing food for the reception. This year, we also hope to replace the name plates on the crosses as they have been weather-worn over the years. Your donation will go directly to maintaining this site. Much of the physical labor at the cemetery site is lovingly done by Ocracoke residents and the Ocracoke Garden Center. The reception is catered by local chefs, and the set-up, serving, and clean-up is done by community volunteers.

Families, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to make a donation to help fund this event and site maintenance. It is requested donations made by check or money order include a note designating the donation go to the British Cemetery fund. Checks can be mailed to the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association. Please mail your check by May 1, 2019, to:

OCBA

Box 456

Ocracoke, NC 27960

Anyone interested in volunteering or donating food, or to have questions answered can reach Crystal Canterbury at 252-588-2245 or marylander2islander@icloud.com