Clyde the Cannon Part 3- The Presentation
March 27/ 2022
The ceremony was scheduled to begin in mid afternoon. Bob still had his minders until we were ready and he had no idea what was to occur.
We raised a union jack on the flag pole at the boathouse bar, and most of us then gathered behind a nearby cabin. We tried to appear and dress up as British soldiers. Without rifles, we used paddles, shovels, rakes, and two by fours… perched on our shoulders.
Bob was brought down beside the covered cannon, and Al Howe started the ceremony as the MC. At his prompt, we marched down from behind a cabin as a group, to the beach in front of the cannon.
We halted at the appropriate predetermined spot, and the ceremony began. Al made an introductory speech about Bobs father. The group of soldiers was ordered to present arms, which we had practiced beforehand. This was our salute as the tarpaulin was removed and the cannon, and all his glory was revealed. We then sang Oh Canada!… I’m not sure why.
Bob was absolutely dumbfounded. We then gave him the plaque that honoured his dad. This was to be mounted at the base of the cannon.
This honoured his dad in a very meaningful way. Bob read this aloud to the group, and he was on the edge of tears. His thank you speech was heartfelt, emotional and extremely appreciative. He seemed actually “overwhelmed”.
We placed fireworks, one at a time in the mouth of the cannon, and proceeded to fire it multiple times. We used the type of fireworks that shot out flares of sparks, and fireballs as well as great “Kaboom’s!”.
The celebrations went on for another two days. We had achieved our goal. Bob is, and will remain, eternally grateful for our efforts.
His brother Mike, who owned the lodge, arrived the following week. As he approached, he was very surprised to see the Union Jack flying proudly in a breeze above the boat house.
He was flabbergasted when he came across the cannon. His gratitude was enormous and the cannon remains there to this day… The only cannon on the north channel.
All who visit Okeechobee, now visit the cabin and probably wonder how the PCKC could accomplish such a feat.
The stories of “Clyde the Cannon” have been told and retold many times. We did have the foresight to film the entire sequence of events. We each have a DVD that will keep the details of the cannon in our hearts and minds.
Friendship is a wonderful thing.