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"This is always a very special day for us," said Tom Whalen, Commodore, Old Dominion Boat Club, in opening the ceremonies at 1 King Street, as the United States flag was presented by MSgt Al Francis, US Army. A large crowd gathered for the event and was treated to a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by local singer Danielle Westphall. Following that, Father Robert L. Ruskamp of St. Mary's Catholic Church offered a blessing to kick for the upcoming boating season. The American flag was raised by CDR Mike Bernacchi, former commander of the USS Alexandria (SSN-757). Then the Virginia State flag was raised by Delegate David Englin of the Virginia General Assembly; the City of Alexandria flag was hoisted by Mayor William D. Euille; and finally Old Dominion Boat Club's flag was raised by current club president Carolyn Dabney Bell. As each flag was raised, Former President Harry Harrington fired off his ceremonial cannon punctuating the moment.

At this point John Queen, Flotilla Commander 1402 of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary took the podium and gave the crowd a sobering speech as to the need for safe boating. His message was very clear “in spite of the fact that deaths from boating incidents are down from last year, 90% of the deaths occurred while people were not wearing their life jackets and 75% of these boaters had not had a safety course”.

In his remarks, Mayor Euille first recognized the other dignitaries who present, including Del. Englin and Councilwoman Redella "Del" Pepper. He thanked ODBC for being invited to this “wonderful event of this historic boat club”. He stated “the symbolism of raising these four flags together demonstrated the hundred plus years of ODBC history and it’s willingness to take time to give back to the community”. Mayor Euille said “Alexandria is proud of its waterfront and thanked ODBC for it’s collaboration to spruce it up”.

He also reiterated comments made earlier in the ceremony by John Queen, Flotilla Commander by saying: “Boating to the unprepared can be a risky sport” and “knowledge and skill are important” because “human error is the real threat”. “So please Boat Safe, Boat Smart and wear your life jacket”. He concluded by issuing a formal proclamation declaring May 17th through May 23rd "Safe Boating Week."

This was Delegate Englin's first ODBC Flag Raising since having been elected to the House of Delegates. He expressed his appreciation in having been included in the event and was pleased to see long time traditions, such as this one, stand the test of time as an Alexandria tradition. Councilwoman Pepper echoed these sentiments and also endorsed the comments of the Mayor and the USCG (Aux) regarding the need to use prudence while boating. She stated that, "the Potomac River, while a beautiful national resource, is still a body of water who currents and depths demand vigilance and respect."

President Dabney remarked that the ODBC is not just about boating. "We've are continually promoting charitable causes and community service. For example, last night we donated our ballroom to the Alexandria Boys and Girls Club for their annual Cinco De Mayo fund raiser which was an outstanding success. We are also heavily involved in athletics and many water related activities, such sponsoring the T.C. Williams fall rowing program."

While all this activity was occurring, the crowds were also treated to a water cannon demonstration provided by DC Fireboat "John Glenn," its Captain Ricky Johnson and his crew of firefighting professionals. Following this, the crowd adjourned to the lawn of the ODBC for cocktails and music.