Blessing
of the Fleet, first Saturday in August at the Fishermen's Memorial
at the Port of Port Orford
The Blessing Ceremony seems to become richer
and more meaningful each year with heartfelt presentations by the fishermen
and their families. The solemn occasion is marked with the distinct
tones of the bagpipes played by Donna Barker at the Fishermen's Memorial.
Against a backdrop of the dock and the ocean, punctuated by several
vessels anchored offshore, the ceremony unfolded with the posting of
the colors by Boy Scout Troop 101, an introduction by Mary Linda Aiello,
a prayer offered by David Rickel, Veronica Dewitt told the story of
Amazing Grace and then sang it.
Orion Ashdown, along with young son Caden, read a poem he had written
at sea expressing his joy of being a fishermen.
Pastor Doug Jamieson lead the large and attentive group in the main
Blessing and then, in the most moving part of the ceremony, Heather
Barton called the names of those lost at sea and Darrell Cobb rang
the bell as members and friends of the loved ones came forward and
accepted a single red rose presented by Devon Ashdown and Quinn Allen.
Donna Barker
Mary Linda Aiello
Orion Ashdown and son Caden.
Pastor Doug Jamieson offers the Blessing.
Darrell Cobb, Heather Barton, Devon Ashdown, Quinn Allen, Thelma
Belcher.
The blessing ends with the plantive tones of the bagpipes, we will
not forget!
