By Karen Robes Meeks
This year’s annual Blessing of the Fleet and Memorial Service in Charleston, Ore., has been canceled to observe public gathering restrictions and social distancing related to COVID-19, the Port of Coos Bay announced.
The service, which would have taken place on Memorial Day at the Charleston Fisherman’s Memorial Garden, commemorates area men and women involved in commercial fishing and the fishing industry who have died since 1941.
Names will be added to plaques in the Charleston Fisherman’s Memorial Garden, including Bill Ainsworth, Jack L. Hutchens and Wayne James Clemens.
Floral arrangements or memorial wreaths are acceptable as long as they are made of biodegradable materials. The port is encouraging the public to practice social distancing at the memorial garden.
