Blessing of the Fleet remembers local fishers for 41st year

The Blessing of the Fleet honored local fishers lost at sea and offered a blessing to fishers beginning a new season during the 41st ceremony on May 4 at Blaine Harbor.

During the ceremony, attendees placed a flower on a wreath for their loved one as Blaine resident Charlie Hawkins rang a bell in remembrance. The ceremony also had a group prayer, music led by former Blaine school district band instructor Bob Gray and speeches from Blaine mayor Mary Lou Steward and state representative Sharon Shewmake. The wreath was taken by boat at the end of the ceremony to Semiahmoo Bay and laid to rest at sea.