U.S. Navy Memorial to Host 32nd Annual Blessing of the Fleet Ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC • APRIL 09, 2023

The United States Navy Memorial will host its 32nd annual Blessing of the Ceremony in person and online on Saturday, April 15th. This year's blessing will be provided by the Chief of Chaplains of the Navy, Rear Admiral Gregory N. Todd. The keynote speaker will be the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, James M. Honea.

Passed down through generations of sailors, fishermen, merchant mariners, and navies around the world, the centuries-old “Blessing of the Fleet” ceremony is intended to safeguard crews and their ships. It is said to protect them from the danger of the seas through a traditional blessing given by a clergyman at the water’s edge.

As a tribute to our nation’s rich maritime heritage and the men and women who have contributed to its growth and success, the Navy Memorial hosts its annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony each spring.

The ceremony will take place on the same day as the National Cherry Blossom Parade. Afterward, attendees are invited inside the Navy Memorial Visitor Center for a light reception featuring Navy Bean Soup from the White House Mess.

Registration is not required to attend in person. Those who wish to watch the ceremony online can register at www.navymemorial.org/2023bof.

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The Navy Memorial is located at 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to Honor, Recognize and Celebrate the men and women of the Sea Services, past, present, and future; and to Inform the public about their service. To learn more, visit us online at www.navymemorial.org.