Summer sunset at Menemsha drew a different kind of crowd on Tuesday, the one-year anniversary of the Coast Guard boathouse fire. A large crowd of Chilmark community leaders and residents gathered to mark the formal opening and dedication of the rebuilt connector pier that was destroyed in last year’s fire.

Selectman Warren Doty set a tone of reflection and appreciation early in the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We were devastated by how much one fire could destroy,” Mr. Doty said. “We’re very lucky to have the support of many local people.”

The Chilmark selectmen awarded special medals of commendation to those who assisted in the speedy response and to people who helped make the new pier a reality. Police, fire and emergency responders from every town on the Island were honored, as were town employees, contractors, Coast Guard station Menemsha, and state representatives.

The Rev. Arlene Bodge of the Chilmark Community Church said a prayer blessing the harbor, and Rabbi Jerry Davidson gave a tribute to a community that “turned a disaster into a blessing.”

The ceremony concluded with Galley Restaurant owner Merrily Fenner leading a rendition of God Bless America, the voices of the Chilmark community floating over the harbor at the height of another summer season.