More than 100 gather to wave off the Christmas Tree Ship

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw left port on Saturday with a show of banners, Coast Guard flags, waves and best wishes for a safe journey from the more than 100 people who gathered to watch.

The Christmas Tree Ship is carrying 1,200 Christmas trees for disadvantaged Chicagoans. In addition, an equal number of Christmas greeting cards accompanies the trees this year, provided by Cheboygan school children and citizens.

The trip to Chicago, made by the Mackinaw since 2000, commemorates northern Christmas tree shipments from the early 1900s, especially that of the Rouse Simmons, which sank during a voyage in 1912.

The gathering was spearheaded by the Coast Guard Connection Committee, which is sponsored by the City of Cheboygan and plans events to foster a strong relationship with the Coast Guard service and the members stationed in Cheboygan.

“I’m so glad people came out to show our support for the mission,” said Joanne Cromley, co-chair of the committee.

Cromley noted that the send-off will become an annual event.

Among the 100 plus that waved off the ship, organizers said there were people from Cheboygan, Indian River, Petoskey, Grand Rapids, Wisconsin, Ferndale and Marquette. Some were visiting, many came following publicity notices, and a few were driving by and wanted to join the festivities.

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: More than 100 gather to wave off the Christmas Tree Ship