National Maritime Day & Blessing of the Fleet
Navy Pier
Sunday May 22, 2022
1100
"Through every period of peace and war, our merchant mariners have been dedicated to protecting our freedom and promoting commerce. On National Maritime Day, we honor the steadfast commitment and sacrifices of the men and women who serve in the United States Merchant Marine, and recognize their essential role in safeguarding and strengthening our Nation. " - taken from the 2021 Presidential Proclamation
Please join our lodge in celebrating the ceremonial start of season at Navy Pier on Sunday, May 22nd at 11:00 A.M. as we stand proud to celebrate our industry on National Maritime Day. The ceremony will have speeches from the representatives from the Maritime Administration, USCG, and others with the Navy Band providing our soundtrack. Please wear dress uniforms if you have them. All from the commercial and recreational sides of our industry are welcome.
This National Maritime Day celebration is combined with a Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony where we will remember those in our maritime community who have crossed the bar by laying a wreath upon our waters before we welcome all boats waiting to cross the stern of the Shoreline Sightseeing vessel for a blessing for the upcoming season.
The ceremony will start on the Lake Stage in the park in front of Navy Pier and then move to the water aboard Shoreline Sightseeing's Cap Streeter vessel. A wreath to commemorate those lost to sea will be blessed and laid upon our waters and then first responder vessels will lead a parade of vessels across the stern of the Cap Streeter for all to receive their own blessings for a safe season ahead.
The ceremony will start promptly at 1100 and all our welcome to gather at the pier or wait on their vessels in a designated queue area for the parade. We will work on live streaming the event for those on the water.
Chicago Lodge 3 is proud to put on this event annually and look forward to seeing a larger participation this year with a Sunday event. We welcome all in our industry, both commercial and recreational to join us with their friends and families at what is a beautiful event honoring our industry.
Join us by land or by water!
More information to come. Please click the button below to receive emails about the event.