Pause a moment this Sunday to remember those who have lost their lives at sea and to share a blessing for those who continue to ply its waters.
Traditionally held the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, join the South Beach Ministerial Association and representatives of WEFish in Westport for the Annual Blessing of the Fleet at 1 p.m. this Sunday, May 24.
The short ceremony is held at the Fishermen’s Monument at the foot of Neddie Rose Drive in the Marina District. It includes the calling out of names of local fishermen and Coast Guard personnel who have lost their lives, accompanied by the tolling of a ship’s bell for each one.
Weather and call requirements permitting, at the conclusion of the short Blessing ceremony, a Coast Guard helicopter from Group Astoria will demonstrate a sea rescue and drop a memorial wreath off the revetment.
This year’s ceremony follows a long-held tradition in the community.
The first Blessings took place at Westport’s Main Dock the early 1950s. The service was conducted on the deck of a fishing boat and was commemorated with a simple driftwood cross.