Freezing rain and gusting wind did not deter dozens of the descendants of six lighthouse keepers on Saturday as plaques were unveiled in Mathews County cemeteries honoring lifetimes of service.

Attendees came from as far away as Texas to commemorate decades of keeping the watch on the part of keepers Charles E. Respess, Floyd E. Crewe, Clarence and Fannie Mae Salter, Charles L. Sadler and John F. Hudgins.

Each ceremony began with a commencement by Greg Krawczyk, president of the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society. 

Following the presentation of colors by a Coast Guard Auxiliary honor guard, a brief biography of each keeper was read. 

Star-spangled red covers were then removed from each marker and U.S. flags were installed at the gravesites.

The Lighthouse Keepers Prayer preceded the playing of “Taps” and closing remarks at each site.

Color Corps members included Jim Gierlak, Don Connolly and John Bonner of Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 66. To...