Our Lady of the Skies 2021 Cocktail Social took place on August 26, 2021 at the Manhasset Bay Yacht Club, a fitting location due to its aviation history. Manhasset Bay was ( and still is) a seaplane landing area, used as Pan Am’s New York base from 1939 to 1940 for their transatlantic Boeing 314 flights.
The cocktail hour, followed by dinner, began with opening remarks from Catholic Guild President Alfred de Phillips and an invocation from Father Chris Piasta.
In lieu of the customary Man and Woman of the Year nominees, this year’s event was dedicated to the revival of JFK and LaGuardia airports, and acknowledged all airport essential workers, especially those who died of Covid 19. A moment of silence in their honor was observed at sunset, 7:37 PM, followed by the mournful sound of a lone bagpiper.
After a long year of social isolation, this year’s event at the lovely Yacht Club on a picture perfect evening seemed magical. The live music and fine dinner were enjoyed by the many attendees, finally socializing and reconnecting with friends and acquaintances not seen in a long time. The evening could not have been more perfect thanks to efforts and supporters of the Catholic Guild and Our Lady of the Skies.
