The Blessing of the Fleet

On Memorial Day, Kodiak comes to honor those lost at sea. It is a special occasion, come rain or shine. Blessed water form the beginning of the year is stored for this occasion. The Russian Orthodox Clergy comes out for the event with paintings of St Herman, Kodiak's local Saint and a true supporter of the natives during the Russian occupation in the 17 and 1800s.

Prayers are said and hymns are sung.

Water is readied for the arrival of the boats,

as they line up to approach the pier.

A blessing

and a sprinkling for all willing to receive,

whether large or small.

And a wreath has been prepared,

to be given to the "Raven",

with the families of the departed

to carry to their loved one's resting place.

And as the audience feels the grief,


a pet wonders what is happening,

while an Officer looks out to sea.

This was Kodiak, Memorial Day, 2011