Sea turtle rescue celebrates 20 years, honors military

SURF CITY, NC (WWAY) — The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center celebrated its 20th anniversary Saturday.

The color guard from Camp Lejeune presented the colors to begin the ceremony. Hospital Director Jean Beasley then had a member from each branch of the armed forces place a turtle on the wall to honor the six branches and those who have fallen in the line of service.

Beasley presented a dedication wall with the names of all of the families and organizations who have donated to the hospital. Beasley said it was because of the community that they were able to open the hospital mortgage free.

The hospital is officially open for tours. Volunteers took in a record amount of cold stunned sea turtle this past winter.

Beasley said releases will begin in June.