The raising of the Royal Canadian Navy Ensign in the sanctuary of St. David Anglican Church at 10 a.m. this Sunday, June 23, will signal the start of Sea Sunday in a parish mindful of its proximity to the Salish Sea and the Missions to Seafarers Centre at Roberts Bank.
Sea Sunday observance will honour mariners around the world, recognizing especially, the bravery of the 10,000 sailors of the Royal Canadian Navy and its 124 support vessels, which played a vital role on D-Day, June 6, 1944, at Juno beach in Normandy.
St. David’s Order of Service includes the blessing of a wreath by Rev. Simbarashe Emmanuel Basvi in memory of souls lost at sea; the ringing of ‘8 bells’ to mark the ‘End of the Watch’; and the lowering of the Naval Ensign to the recorded music of The Royal Marine Band, Plymouth, performing the traditional Sunset Ceremony.
Sea Sunday also gives pause to remember that men and woman mariners, deep-sea master mariners, ship’s pilots, fishers, search and rescue units, tug and salvage vessel crews, are but a few of those who, along with Allied Navies, maintain a vital Supply Chain.
The ceremony of casting afloat the memorial wreath in the main channel of the Fraser River will take place from the upper deck of the Delta Lifeboat to the sound of 8 bells, the Bosun’s call and prayers by Basvi.
The community is invited to attend St. David’s Tsawwassen where its marine theme is a fitting tribute to, They that go down to the seas in ships.
Service will be followed by light refreshments in the parish hall.
Further information at: www.stdavidsdelta.com.
