The twenty-second Annual Maritime Memorial Service was held at the Seaman’s Memorial Sundial on Lakeshore Drive in Port Arthur on Friday May 22.  Father Sinclair Oubre, Diocesan Director of the Port Arthur International Seafarers’ Center, greeted those in attendance.  Listen RealPlayer  MP3   

After posting of colors by the United States Coast Guard and pledge of allegiance, there was prayer for mariners and family members and supporters of the Seafarers’ Center who have passed on in the past year.  There were prayers also for crewmembers of those ships threatened by pirates. 

The Coast Guard Color Guard led the attendees down Lakeshore Drive to the levee where the offshore supply vessel, Father John Keller, was waiting in the canal.  Two crewmembers then laid the wreath on the water. 

All went to the Seafarers’ Center for refreshments and special presentations.  The foyer of the center was dedicated to Peter and Paul Callais of Abdon Callais Workboats.  Both passed away during the past year.

Plaques were unveiled in the recreation room in recognition of Carl Sanders and Mrs. Beverly Picton.  These two were committed to the Center and both passed away this past year.  Listen RealPlayer  MP3