A Bayville Tradition : Homeowners Association Prepping For Memorial Day Blessing Of The Fleet

The Berkeley Shores Homeowners' Civic Association’s annual Blessing of the Fleet has become a Bayville tradition and a welcome prelude to the summer season.

This year it will take place at noon on Sunday, May 28 right before the Memorial Day picnic on Amherst Beach, President Fred S. Bekiarian said.

The event is held every year on Memorial Day weekend to remember both fallen military veterans and present day military serving around the world.

The event is also a boat parade for anyone who wants to participate. Boats will leave from the Amherst Inlet located in the Barkeley Shores section of the township and head out to a marker in Barnegat Bay. The Blessing of the Fleet will be done by local clergy. And the blessing is not your standard blessing. Whoever gives the blessing shoots water at the boats with a Super Shooter.

Former longtime Berkeley Shores presidents Mike and Barbara Teichmann will preside over the ceremony as honorary chairpersons.

The Central Regional High School Junior ROTC Color Guard, local officials, and a bagpiper will be on the water for the blessing and benediction before heading back to shore for the picnic.
Image: Timothy McCarthy