On October 13, 2009; I had the pleasure of meeting Monsieur & Madame Duhamel at their home on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec.
These are two very special people. Since 1964 they have been saluting vessels traveling the St. Lawrence River by raising the Flag(s) of their country of registry and the flags of the crewmembers onboard as well as playing their respective national anthems on loudspeakers that can be heard out in the river over 1 mile away.
Don’t think that’s very special? Well, just imagine that you are a sailor from South Africa and are many months and many thousands of miles from home. As you travel this unfamiliar waterway early in the morning, suddenly you hear your national anthem and look to see where this sound comes from and then you see on the shore your national flag rising on a 60’ pole up on the 200’ bluffs above. You stare dumbfounded for a few moments and then you feel the goose bumps rising as this moment sets in and your thoughts are taken back to your hometown, country and family…
Mr & Mrs Duhamel have been doing just this for sailors and passengers passing by their home since 1964. They have saluted Kings, Queens and Heads of State as well as yachtsman and lonely crewmen from many far-away places. They have maintained a log of all such salutes and Monique was able to look up and show me their first salute to an American Canadian Caribbean Line vessel, the Mount Hope in 1970 and all of our vessels since then!
I was able to present this special couple with a letter of appreciation for their generous effort over the years to brighten the day of so many people plying the waters nearby and provided them with a few gifts as an expression of our gratitude. We shared some wine, fellowship and many good stories as well. I was pleased to have been able to meet such a wonderful couple.
Since 1970 they have given this salute to the crew and passengers of countless ACCL cruise vessels and without exception, our passengers stand breathless on deck while they hear our national anthem, see our flag rising on the bluff and begin to realize what a special moment they are witnessing. Another unique and special experience that we can share with you on your next cruise aboard. Come and join us!
