Thirty-five boats blessed at fish pier Sunday

Ceremony now part of Windjammer Days
Mon, 06/27/2016 - 8:00pm

    The Fisherman’s Memorial Service and Blessing of the Fleet drew 35 boats and about a dozen observers on Sunday, June 26 at the Fishermen’s Memorial.

    Smith Climo led singers in hymns to commemorate the 233 people who have been recorded to have lost their lives at sea since records began to be kept in 1798.

    Climo said that most townspeople were pleased with the shift from April to June for the event that had been previously part of the annual Fishermen’s Festival.

    “It is a lot warmer now,” said Climo.

    Newly appointed Methodist Minister Rev. Richard Rego gave the invocation and opening prayer.

    “The families of the men that harvest the bounty of the sea live with the loss of husbands, fathers, brothers and sons. This perilous trade has touched us all,” said Rego.

    Pastors Ami Sawtelle and John O’Connell read the names of the lost men. Coast Guardsmen placed a floral wreath on the monument. The ministers then walked to the fish pier to bless the boats as they passed by.