British Cemetery Ceremony and Reception

This solemn ceremony and reception honor the sinking of the H.M.T. Bedfordshire off the shores of Ocracoke Island in 1942. Four sailors from the Bedfordshire rest eternally on the island in a sacred plot known as "forever England." Participants from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, British Royal Navy, Canadian Royal Navy, and Ocracoke High School students unite in remembrance. The ceremony features poignant rituals such as reading the crew list, the haunting melodies of bagpipes, and a dignified 21-gun salute. All are welcome to join in paying their respects to the fallen sailors.