Toasting the fleet.
The Mount Vernon Yacht Club celebrated its 67th annual Commissioning Day and Blessing of the Fleets on Sunday May 7. This spring ceremony passed down through generations of sailors and navies around the world, is intended to safeguard crews and ships from the danger of the seas through a traditional blessing given by a clergyman at the water’s edge.
Highlights from Sunday’s celebration included Color Guard, Pledge of Allegiance and singing of our National Anthem led by local Scout Troop 876; Invocation by Reverend Diane Murphy, Priest Associate, Pohick Episcopal Church; and remarks from Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck (D) and MVYC Commodore Gene Diotalevi. The formal ceremony concluded with champagne toasts to the fleets as Mount Vernon Yacht Club members and guests enjoyed a bountiful picnic lunch on the Point.