Blessing of the Fleet returns for 40th year

It seems hard to believe that 40 years have passed since the first “Blessing of the Fleet” took place in 1984.

We have honored those who have been lost at sea since the turn of the century. Those fishers number 40.

We honor them by reading their names and ringing the ship’s bell and then placing a flower in a wreath. We also honor those fishers who have passed since the last blessing was held by doing the same.

At the end of the program, the wreath is taken out and set free in the waters of Boundary Bay. The wreath is taken out by a local fisherman and this year it will be Rob Markuson, the owner of the Pamela-Joyce.

The Fisherman’s Memorial Committee will host the event along with the Port of Bellingham and the Blaine Chamber of Commerce.

There will be dignitaries from Washington state and the city of Blaine.

Music will be provided by Bob Gray and his group. Selena Kramme and Mark Williams will also perform.

The clergy will pray for the fishers and their boats to insure safe travel to and from the fishing grounds for this fishing season.

The Blaine community has been outstanding in supporting the blessing for 40 years and so I extend an invitation to all. On behalf of the Fisherman’s Memorial Committee, we look forward to seeing you at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at the Blaine Harbor Boating Center on Marine Drive.

If the weather is good we will be outside, if not we will gather in the conference room.