The “Fleet of Flowers” event on Memorial Day is a tradition dating back 77 years. The event expands the theme of Memorial Day to honor not just U.S. military personnel who have died in service but all seafarers (that is, folks employed to work aboard marine vessels) who have been lost at sea. The entire city of Depoe Bay rallies together to make this amazing event happen each year, raising funds and meticulously assembling gorgeous cedar wreaths that go on the boats. You can follow along with all the progress and get involved as a volunteer by checking the Facebook web pageRead more about the history of the Fleet of Flowers on the city’s website.
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Hello friends! My wife and I were just wondering how we could get on a boat and help drop the wreaths this year. Are there any spots open?
Hi Brian. The folks that I am sure can help with your question are event organizers Kathy Wyatt or Clary Grant. *Here is the Fleet of Flowers official web page with their phone contact information: https://www.fleetofflowers.info/support-us
I hope this helps and that you and your wife have a meaningful Memorial Day.
Hi Sharon. I know, I would love to have one of those too! Those were available initially the week before the event at the Depoe Bay Community Center where all the volunteers make wreaths etc. in preparation for the event. I just pinged the Fleet of Flowers event organizers and they indicate that, unfortunately, there are no sweat shirts left only a few tees. What they have left will be at the SeaHag in Depoe bay. You can keep checking (for information as to whether they produce any more shirts going forward) on the Fleet of Flowers Facebook page. They are pretty responsive if you post a comment/inquiry to one of the posts there or Facebook message them from there.
I miss, terribly, being a part of Fleet of Flowers. I was involved with the week long preparations for 22 years. I was always so touched by the volunteers…especially the children, who so lovingly made the wreaths that were placed on all of the boats . Being at the forefront of the preparations for 13 of the 22 years and working closely with the United States Coast Guard personnel, Firefighters, and numerous other dignitaries fills me with wonderful memories I’ll cherish forever. 🇺🇸
This is Steve, Master at Armes for the Oregon Coast Vets. We have done the flag post seems like forever. I don’t think we have been asked this year, and also last time there was not enough cedar so i cut down one of mine for it. How’s it going this time? Please, whats going on?
Hi There,
How can we reserve to be on a boat that goes out and drops off wreaths this year on Memorial day. This event has always had a special meaning for me as my father and uncles ashes were sent out to sea. I’d like to reserve 2-4 spots if possible.
Glenda Roe.
Hi Glenda. Thanks for your post. I spoke with Melissa at the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce (which helps with Fleet of Flowers event on Memorial Day) and gave her your contact info. She will call you to answer your question about how to arrange to be on one of the boats. I sincerely hope you have a meaningful Memorial Day in Depoe Bay. Take care!
Hello friends! My wife and I were just wondering how we could get on a boat and help drop the wreaths this year. Are there any spots open?
Hi Brian. The folks that I am sure can help with your question are event organizers Kathy Wyatt or Clary Grant. *Here is the Fleet of Flowers official web page with their phone contact information: https://www.fleetofflowers.info/support-us
I hope this helps and that you and your wife have a meaningful Memorial Day.
Do you still have any of the t-shirts or sweatshirt from this year’s fleet of flowers for sale ?
Hi Sharon. I know, I would love to have one of those too! Those were available initially the week before the event at the Depoe Bay Community Center where all the volunteers make wreaths etc. in preparation for the event. I just pinged the Fleet of Flowers event organizers and they indicate that, unfortunately, there are no sweat shirts left only a few tees. What they have left will be at the SeaHag in Depoe bay. You can keep checking (for information as to whether they produce any more shirts going forward) on the Fleet of Flowers Facebook page. They are pretty responsive if you post a comment/inquiry to one of the posts there or Facebook message them from there.
I miss, terribly, being a part of Fleet of Flowers. I was involved with the week long preparations for 22 years. I was always so touched by the volunteers…especially the children, who so lovingly made the wreaths that were placed on all of the boats . Being at the forefront of the preparations for 13 of the 22 years and working closely with the United States Coast Guard personnel, Firefighters, and numerous other dignitaries fills me with wonderful memories I’ll cherish forever. 🇺🇸
Will the fleet of flowers happen on Memorial Day? What time?
Hi Cynthia. Thanks for your post. Yes! Fleet of Flowers is absolutely happening this year. The ceremony starts at 11:00am.
This is Steve, Master at Armes for the Oregon Coast Vets. We have done the flag post seems like forever. I don’t think we have been asked this year, and also last time there was not enough cedar so i cut down one of mine for it. How’s it going this time? Please, whats going on?
How can i get 2 wreaths for the Fleet of Flowers? Have called Chamber but no one there
Hi There,
How can we reserve to be on a boat that goes out and drops off wreaths this year on Memorial day. This event has always had a special meaning for me as my father and uncles ashes were sent out to sea. I’d like to reserve 2-4 spots if possible.
Glenda Roe.
Hi Glenda. Thanks for your post. I spoke with Melissa at the Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce (which helps with Fleet of Flowers event on Memorial Day) and gave her your contact info. She will call you to answer your question about how to arrange to be on one of the boats. I sincerely hope you have a meaningful Memorial Day in Depoe Bay. Take care!
See You next year.
Chief DePoe
The late William Hauser “Chief” DePoe, Sr. was a notable DePoe Bay resident who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. http://dslweb.nwnexus.com/benmarra/nativeamericans/depoe.htm
Thank you for the information on Chief Depoe, Sr. and the history! I was raised in Lincoln City.
You are most welcome, Claudine. Lincoln City is a wonderful place. I hope you and yours have a very nice Memorial Day weekend.