The Matecumbe Historical Trust is organizing its annual Labor Day Service to commemorate the lives lost in the catastrophic 1935 Labor Day Hurricane. The public is invited to attend the remembrance ceremony on Monday, September 7, at 9 a.m. at the Islamorada Hurricane Monument, located at mile marker 81.5.

Remembering a Devastating Storm

The Hurricane Monument stands as a solemn tribute to hundreds of local residents and American veterans whose lives were tragically cut short by the hurricane's fury. The storm brought with it winds of 200 mph and a devastating storm surge of 17 feet.

The 1935 hurricane's impact was particularly tragic for a group of veterans who had come to the Florida Keys after World War I. These veterans were instrumental in various projects, including the completion of U.S. Highway 1. When the powerful storm struck, nearly 500 people perished, a significant number of whom were these veterans who had not been evacuated in time, alongside many local inhabitants. The Keys Weekly reported that the Matecumbe Historical Trust has held a service each year to honor the memory of those lost.

Service Details

The upcoming service will feature a structured program designed to honor the victims. The ceremony is set to include an introduction, an invocation, and the presentation of colors. Attendees will also hear the national anthem, remarks from guest speakers, and a historical account of the 1935 hurricane. The service will culminate with the laying of a memorial wreath, followed by the playing of taps, songs, and a benediction.

This annual event serves as a crucial reminder of the Keys' vulnerability to severe weather and the importance of remembering historical tragedies. The 1935 Labor Day Hurricane remains one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record at landfall and a significant event in Florida Keys history. For more details on the event, readers can refer to the Keys Weekly.