The 2021 Labor Day Service was held virtually in 2021.  Click here to view the program.

The strongest hurricane in recorded history was remembered at the annual Labor Day service in memory of those who lost their lives 86 years ago in the category five Hurricane of September 2, 1935.   Matecumbe Historical Trust, founded in 1994 under a county entity established earlier known as the Matecumbe Historical Board, organizes the event through the efforts of Barbara Edgars, daughter of long time Islamorada historian, Irving Eyster.

The service included the invocation, presentation of colors, and guest speakers; namely, Barbara Edgar, Pastor Tony Hammon giving a presentation, Councilman Henry Rosenthal and Bob Johnson and Sue Miller. Leah Sutter will sing the national anthem. Pastor Bob Pavey gave the invocation. 

The history of the hurricane and monument was shared and a memorial wreath was laid by Cinnamon Edgar and Stephanie Scuderi from Centennial Bank, who sponsors the flower wreath.

“Each year on Labor Day we pay tribute to the civilians and war veterans who perished during the 1935 hurricane,” said MHT’s President Barbara Edgar. “My dad, the late Irving Eyster, was involved in the service for more than 50 years, initially through the Matecumbe Historical Board." The Matecumbe Historical Trust organizes the events at the monument for both Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

For more information, call Barbara at 305-393-0940. 

The photos below are from the 2019 Memorial Service.  The program in 2020 was held virtually.