Charleston’s Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Memorial Service to Honor Fishing Community on Memorial Day

Charleston, OR – The Charleston Fishing Families Association invites the community to the annual Blessing of the Fleet and Memorial Service, a time-honored tradition honoring the men and women of Charleston’s commercial fishing industry who have passed. The event will take place at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Charleston Fishermen's Memorial Garden, located near the launch ramp at the Charleston Marina.

This important gathering serves as a moment to reflect on the lives and sacrifices of those who dedicated themselves to the sea. Families, friends, and community members are encouraged to join in paying tribute to those lost at sea and those who spent their lives working in Charleston’s fishing industry.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to gather for coffee and cake at the Charleston Fishing Families office, located across from the Coast Guard Station on Crossline Road.

Honoring Loved Ones on the Memorial

The Charleston Fishermen’s Memorial Committee is currently accepting recommendations for names to be included on the memorial plaques. Those eligible include commercial fishermen who worked out of Charleston or individuals who made a meaningful contribution to the local fishing industry.

The deadline for name submissions is March 31, 2025. There is no cost to families for inclusion, though donations are appreciated to help support the preservation of this important community tribute.

Applications can be requested and submitted by contacting:
Margery Whitmer – margerybwhitmer@gmail.com
 Charleston Fishing Families – P.O. Box 5882, Charleston, OR 97420
 Charleston Fishing Families Office – charlestonfishingfamilies@gmail.com

For more information, please contact Margery Whitmer at (541) 297-2095.