National Maritime Day & Blessing of the Fleet
Captain at the Helm Statue
Navy Pier
Friday, May 22 at 12:30 pm
Schedule - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
 

​12:30

• National Maritime Day Ceremony begins with US Navy Band and Color Guard presenting colors and playing our national anthem.

• Invocation by Fr Mike Enright

• Presidential Proclamation read by US Maritime Administration Representative

• Addresses by CDR TJ Bigay, USCG -MSU Chicago & Capt. Ray Novak, President Chicago Shipmasters

• Blessing of Wreath in honor of fallen seafarers

12:50

• All our led to Shoreline Sightseeing's M/V Cap Streeter for wreath laying ceremony.

1:00

• M/V Cap Streeter escorted into fairway

• Wreath is placed in water followed by Taps being played to honor all sailors and mariners lost at sea. 

• An order will be given via VHF for a simultaneous single long sounding of whistles and horns

1:10

• At conclusion of sounding, all vessels queued up on south side of Dime Pier will proceed west to round the pier and then proceed past stern of M/V Capt Streeter for blessing for a safe season on the water while CFD vessel Wheatley shoots water canon in background.

1:20

• M/V Cap Streeter returns to Navy Pier