Story, Photos & Video By Don Backman
The outgoing tide rolled waves up on the wet sands on the beach beyond the Cape Kiwanda boat launch at Pacific City. Long rows of trucks and other four-wheel drive vehicles attached to a wide variety of surf dories were parked above the surf line.
A wall of flowers decorated the large podium in the open area in the center. An arc of flowers set in the sand framed the podium. A dory boat on a trailer of the kind used to launch through the surf at Cape Kiwanda was parked right behind the small stage and served as the larger stage area. A lone flagpole stood at one end. The assembled crowd showed that the 24th Annual Pacific City Blessing of the fleet put on by the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association was well attended.
The large crowd surrounding the stage quieted to the sounds of the lone violinist at the podium playing a collection of songs while the waves and ocean supplied the background music. The familiar notes of Amazing Grace pulled at heartstrings.
Randy Haltiner, Co-Chair of the Pacific City Dorymen’s Association and master of ceremonies, took the microphone to begin the events. “We are remembering and honoring those who we have lost,” he told the now solemn crowd. “This is a blessing for the skippers and crew.” A color guard from Boy Scout troop 170 solemnly raised the stars and stripes as Isabel Sullivan sang the National Anthem.
Father James Derringer, Retired Catholic Priest, and Pastors Lonnie Muller and Crystal Muller each gave a short statement and player, blessing the fishermen, their families, and those who work with them. The solemn reading of the names of those who had passed in the last year and years before were read out and punctuated by the tolling of a bell.
The quiet ceremony came to an end, and the most powerful part began. Family members and friends came forward and removed the flowers from the podium and from in the sand and walked them to the distant surf. Many tears fell as they tossed the flowers into the onrushing waves. The 2024 Pacific City Dorymen’s Association’s Blessing of the Fleet was an emotional, heartfelt statement of the power and impact the Pacific Ocean has on the lives of our friends and neighbors here on the coast.
