| Date | May 24, 2020 2:15 pm |
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vessel Lineup in the early afternoon by Bonnie Castle to Casino Island
Participants line up and follow the Uncle Sam “Liberty” up river to Casino Island where their boats will be blessed by area clergy. Blessing of the Fleet originated in the Greek Islands and was brought to the United States by the Greek people. The blessing originated as a community effort to send off the fleet of seagoing vessels and their crews with prayers for safe passage and prosperity. The local blessing occurs opposite Casino Island and the “Liberty” is fitted with a speaker mounted on the bow so that the clergy can share in the blessing. As Memorial weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer boating and fishing season, it seems and appropriate time for the blessing.