The United States Navy Memorial hosted the 24th annual Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at the memorial in Washington, April 11.

The ceremony followed the Washington, D.C. annual Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, and featured the United States Navy Band and Ceremonial Guard.

President and CEO of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, retired Vice Adm. John Totushek, welcomed the guests to the centuries-old tradition.

"Usually this tradition is performed in fishing villages to pray the Sailors are taken care of and they come back with a plentiful harvest," said Totushek. "This year we are honored to celebrate this year's Blessing of the Fleet with the centennial of the Navy Reserve."

The Blessing of the Fleet is a ceremony that was created centuries ago in Europe and is a common practice by Sailors and navies around the world intended to guard ships and crews from the hazards of the sea.

Sailors from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard poured water from the Seven Seas and the Great Lakes into the surrounding fountains at the memorial, "charging" them to life and ushering in the spring season.

"Today we charge the fountains with water from Reserve units from around the world," said Vice Adm. Robin Braun, Chief of Navy Reserve. "This represents where your Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are operating, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year."

The U.S. Navy Band performed for guests and the White House Mess served a sampling of Navy Bean Soup following the ceremony.