Every spring, fishing communities across the nation open the new season with a blessing of the fleet. The historic town of Reedville, Virginia has celebrated the tradition for 45 years.
A parade of fishing boats from the traditional Chesapeake deadrise to recreational vessels as small as a kayak bobbed in the water alongside a backdrop of industrial menhaden fishing ships. All became silent as a wreath was tossed into the water in remembrance of those lost.