While it may not have been the Fourth of July, it certainly felt like it for the masses gathered on Onset Pier Saturday morning for the return of the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony to Wareham.

As patriotic fanfare colored the air and boats decorated with red, white, and blue buntings sped by, pastor Rev. John M. Sullivan of St. Patrick's Church blessed each one with holy water, to the cheers of the crowd.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to offer a blessing to the community," said Sullivan.

While it may be a "new" event here in Wareham, similar ceremonies are common all over the world.

“Every culture has some kind of celebration when their ships go out to sea or their soldiers go to war to recognize the fragility of life, to wish for a productive voyage," said event organizer Bob White prior to the ceremony. "It has its historical and cultural roots."

After a patriotic musical interlude by a band and multiple vocalists including Steve Ruiz of WCTV, Sullivan delivered the blessing. Prior to blessing the fleet, Sullivan asked for a moment of silence to remember the late Ron Josephson, who passed away last week in a boating accident. Josephson was an avid boater who docked his boat in Onset, and was a major advocate for the return of the ceremony.

Additionally, the boat parade commenced without a boat in the number one spot in tribute to Josephson. He was set to occupy the front of the parade line, having been the first person to sign up for the event.

Many attendees were excited to see the ceremony's return.

"I think it's beautiful," said Wareham resident Marguerite Fielding after the boat parade had finished. "I think it's so nice. You've got a perfect day for it! It's really quite exciting."

"It's something I've never experienced before, so I was very happy to be here to see it." said Blessing of the Fleet first-timer Diane Bosse.

Bosse also said she was glad to see some veterans in attendance.

"They deserve our thanks," she said.

Sullivan said he was glad to be able to participate. As many of the ships went by, cries of recognition and greeting were thrown up to Sullivan.

"It's great to be a part of [this] and share in the beauty of nature and the enjoyment of the ocean," he said with a smile.