Squalicum Harbor Fishermen's Memorial
Dedication Ceremony
May 31, 1999
“The Skye Boat Song”
Tom Glenn: Another special item is a presentation by the second and third grade of Whatcom Hills Waldorf School directed by Joseph Doucette. The name of the song is “The Skye Boat Song”. A very special thing. I think you will agree.
This sad, beautiful song recalls a dramatic episode in
Scottish history. Once separate kingdoms, England and Scotland had been
united as Great Britain, and in the period referred to in the song, they
were ruled by George II, a German-born king of the House of Hanover. Many
Scots remained loyal to the House of Stuart, which had ruled Britain in the
previous century, even though the last Stuart king, James III, had been so
unpopular that he had been
forced to flee to France in 1688. In 1745, many
Highlanders rose in support of James II’s grandson, Charles Edward Stuart,
known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie.” He was charming and brave and tried to win
back the English throne with the aid of Scottish clans. But the rugged
Highlanders, wielding broadswords called claymores, were
crushingly defeated
by the British troops in 1746 at the bloody battle of Culloden. Flora
Macdonald helped Charles escape, smuggling the prince, disguised as her
maidservant, in an open boat “over the sea to Skye,” an island in the Inner
Hebrides. How different from his arrival in a splendid sailing ship the year
before! Although some loyal supporters still hoped he would come again,
Charles fled to France and died years later in Rome.
Tom Glenn. Thank you young people we enjoyed it a lot. This committee is keenly aware that a great number of Slavic peoples – families and individuals who came to Bellingham generations ago bringing their fishing instincts and skills from several countries in the general region of the Eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. And we sought to invite a catholic priest with similar roots. We didn’t know where to turn so we gave it to Peter Zuanich. And as usual Pete came up with the perfect answer. A genuine Croatian Catholic priest from Vancouver BC. Father Bona Procella O.F.M. Father Procella. Blessing of the Memorial