On March 3, I proposed to my girlfriend on the Anna Maria City Pier in Anna Maria.
It wasn’t just any proposal. I’m in the U.S. Coast Guard and stationed in Cortez. I planned it out so that one of her friends would invite her out to the pier for lunch.
I was in position, waiting near the Rod & Reel Pier on a Coast Guard boat. As soon as I got the signal she was in position, we gunned, hit the emergency lights and turned on the siren.
I flew by the pier and as we passed everyone was pointing and wondering where we were headed. Then we whipped the boat around to the dock. I hopped off the boat, my girlfriend stood there, shocked to see me.
I told her how much I loved her and gave her a rose. Then I got down on one knee, reached into my pocket and pulled out a little black box with a diamond ring. I then asked, “Avrey, will you marry me?”
Her reply, while nodding her head, was, “I told you not to ask me if I wasn’t wearing makeup or my hair isn’t done up, but yes.”
I was so excited I stood up, put the ring back in my pocket and hugged her.
She then replied, “Where’s my ring?”
I quickly pulled it out and placed it on her finger.
A crowd of people gathered around us, taking photos and clapping.
I’m now engaged to Avrey Ellsworth. I’m so happy and blessed to have her. I want to tell the whole world.
Greg Royal, U.S. Coast Guard Station Cortez
We are so lucky to have a son who knows exactly what he wants in life. Not only does he know what he wants, but he also goes after it with all his might and heart. We are proud of you Greg and welcome to the family Avery.
Good friends were visiting Anna Maria from Michigan and my husband and I met them on the Island for bike riding. We were surprised witnesses to the proposal of the man in the Coast Guard and his girlfriend. We knew something was up when the Coast Guard boat swung around and he got out with a rose. I was able to catch a few pictures on our camera, so if they would like any more they can contact me by e-mail. At the same time as their proposal, Good Morning America was asking for unique proposals so I regreted not informing them to send it in.