Capt. Gerard Petroni: Ships Tribute
vimeo.com/10850807
The following amazing videos were taken by Capt. Andrew Entamitas and Part 2 was taken by Capt. Doug Olsson while in Gatun Locks with fellow American pilots Capt. Tony Tiblier, Capt. Don Kat, Capt. Andrew Efthimiadis and Capt. Robins.
All of these American Panama Canal Pilots were on loaded PanaMax ships, on the week of March 8, 2010, going NorthBound in the Gatun locks, the townsite where both the Petroni and Tiblier families lived.
It is a wonderful and moving clip showing the close Zonian family lifestyle and workman's camaraderie of those who lived and still live their life in the Canal Zone by the Panama Canal.
Both of these wonderful videos were shown on the two movie screens at the Neptune Baptist Church during Capt Gerard's memorial service. These videos were one of the highlights that day, and they really captured a feeling of genuine friendship.
A Big thanks goes out to Capt Efthimiadis and Capt. Olsson for filming these wonderful and timeless videos.
I saw a tribute like this with my own eyes at Gatun one day, for the wonderful Gatun Lock Master Mr. Thompson who had passed. To now have something like this on video for everyone to see, a unique side of the Panama Canal and the Pilots, is so special and rare.
Thank you to all of the Americans who made the great Canal Zone possible for all of us, and the hundreds of Amazing Panama Canal Pilots, both before and ones that Dad worked with from 1977 to 2000. These years were the highlight of Dad's life with Pilots, Masters and Ships.
Like Andrew so eloquently speaks of..., when we Cross the Bar and take that launch to Paraiso and move home to our real Master, may we all find each other again on that glorious day.
Thank you from all of us for letting us have Dad's that we are so proud of, and, parent's that gave us Paradise to grow up in.
Thank you Panama Canal Pilots.
Always most respectfully yours,
Erik and all of the Petroni family.
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Capt Petroni inspired the Never Quit Tour and Beach Festival that takes place every year in Jacksonville Beach the beginning of June. Gerard's son Erik and daughter Karina speak to Middle and High School students on the importance of Living a Clean Healthy Life, Honoring Your Parents and how we as sons and daughters can help our parents on a new course to avoid Strokes and Brain bleeds. Learn more about the NEVER QUIT and Never Quit Tour at: neverquitnever.com/ and join us this 19 May, 2013 in Jacksonville Beach for the 5th NEVER QUIT.