HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2016-4657, by Representatives Buys, Tarleton, Fey, Lytton, Van Werven, and Frame

WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Washington state House of Representatives to honor the successes and sacrifices of commercial fishers; and

WHEREAS, The Washington state commercial fishing fleet begins leaving in March and May, and the Blessing of the Fleet will occur at Fisherman's Terminal in Ballard; and

WHEREAS, This is the 88th year the Ballard First Lutheran Church has held the blessing and the 20th year Pastor Erik Wilson Weiberg has offered the blessing; and

WHEREAS, This is the 41st year the Blessing of the Fleet will occur at the Port of Bellingham, and will be presented at Zuanich Point Park in Squalicum Harbor on May 7, 2016, at 11:00 a.m.; and

WHEREAS, This is the 33rd year the Blessing of the Fleet will occur in Blaine Harbor, and will be presented at Blaine Boating Center on May 8, 2016, at 1:30 p.m.; and

WHEREAS, The Washington state commercial fishing fleet is one of the world's largest distant water fleets; and

WHEREAS, The commercial fishing industry directly and indirectly employs thousands of people and is one of the largest industries in Washington state; and

WHEREAS, The annual commercial fishing harvest is vital to the growth and stability of the Washington state economy; and

WHEREAS, The life of a fisher is fraught with danger and hardship most people will never face, strength and courage are requirements for anyone who chooses to work on the sea, braving the elements in order to harvest the ocean's resources; and

WHEREAS, The men and women who work on fishing boats, often in dangerous circumstances, deserve our admiration, thanks, and, when tragedy strikes, our remembrance; and

WHEREAS, Too often, the brave men and women of our fishing fleet lose their lives, a tragedy that not only impacts the close-knit community of fishing families in our region, but also our entire state;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives extend its condolences to the families and friends of all our fishers who have lost their lives at sea, wish the entire commercial fishing fleet a safe and prosperous season, and express its hope that all of our fishers will return home safely to their families, friends, and communities.

 

I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

Resolution 4657 adopted by the House of Representatives

February 18, 2016

 

 

 

 

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Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk