Tag Archives: Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial
Loved ones gather for reading of 264 names on Fishermen’s Memorial and the Blessing of the Fleet
Brett Van Alen was a commercial seiner and troller in Southeast Alaska, as well as a fisher for squid and sardines in California, who died last December aboard a boat at the age of 38, according to his father Ben. On Saturday members of Brett’s extended family gathered at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial for an annual ceremony where his name was announced as one of the six that will be engraved into the memorial wall this summer. The reading of the 264 names on the wall, including those being engraved this year, to honor people lost at sea and others involved in the fishing industry occurred following the 34th annual Blessing of the Fleet at the downtown wharf. Photos, more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 07:46
Juneau holds annual Blessing of the Fleet
On a brisk sunny morning, amid the keen and wail of the pipes, Juneau residents and visitors gathered for the 32nd annual Blessing of the Fleet at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial. Capt. Bonny Millard of the FV San Juan delivered the wreath as the Rev. Gordon Blue of Holy Trinity Episcopal delivered the invocation and blessing. “We are here to celebrate commercial fishing as a unique way of life,” said Carl Brodersen, who gave the dedication and led the ceremony. “We acknowledge those who still go down to the sea and make a living and the community that supports them.” photos, >click to read< , and >here< 08:46
Five names added to Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial in Juneau at 27th Blessing of the Fleet
It was a warm, sunny Saturday in downtown Juneau. Dozens gathered for the 27th annual Blessing of the Fleet and to honor the commercial fishing fleet and also to remember the lives of five commercial fishermen whose names will soon be engraved in the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial. The memorial is a curved, smooth granite wall engraved with over 200 names. Some have small stars next to them, indicating fishermen who died at sea. Paul Dayton Fredrick’s name is one waiting to be engraved. His name will have a star next to it. Kyle Moselle is Fredrick’s son-in-law. He said Fredrick passed away last June. click here to read the story 14:04
Blessing of the Fleet takes place May 6 at 10 a.m. at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial
The annual Blessing of the Fleet and Reading of the Names ceremony is set for Saturday, May 6. Organizers of the local event encourage the public to attend to honor commercial fishermen, past and present, and the industry as a whole at the start of the fishing season. It’s taking place at 10 a.m. at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial next to Taku Smokeries. The blessing takes about an hour. The guest speaker this year is Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott. This year marks the 27th year that the fleet has been blessed. Attendees are advised to dress warmly. For those who can’t attend or those on the water, the event will be broadcast over VHF Channel 10. click here to read the story 16:33
Blessing and remembering Alaska’s commercial fishermen
This weekend marks the 25th anniversary of Juneau’s Blessing of the Fleet. The annual tradition honors those who participate in one of the state’s largest industries. It’s held at the Alaska Commercial Fishermen’s Memorial on the downtown waterfront. Five names have been added to the memorial’s granite wall this year, bringing the count to 203 men and women. Read the rest here 08:13
