National Maritime Day & Blessing of the Fleet
Captain at the Helm Statue
Navy Pier
Thursday, May 22 at 1 pm
Schedule - 1 pm - 2 pm
 

​1:00

• 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 Robert Sullivan, US Maritime Administration

• Addresses by CDR Tim Tilghman, USCG -MSU Chicago & Capt. Gabe Argumedo, President Chicago Shipmasters

• Blessing of Wreath in honor of fallen seafarers

1:20

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

1:30

• 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

1:40

• 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.

1:50

• M/V Cap Streeter returns to Navy Pier