Our Mission
The CHICAGO’S CHRISTMAS SHIP is a not for profit, all volunteer organization, derived from the marine community of greater Chicago. It is dedicated to the acquisition and donation of Christmas trees, which are donated to the disadvantaged. It is dedicated to the betterment of the Christmas Season for families and children who would not otherwise have had an opportunity to afford, experience and enjoy the Holiday Season with a Christmas tree.”
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Program

Chicago Christmas Ship 2009

PROGRAM

December 4th, 2009 - FRIDAY

Subject to change without notice

0800 - USCGC MACKINAW - Arrives at Navy Pier, escorted by Fireboat and Police Boats while Rickover Naval Academy Band plays.

0800 - USCGC MACKINAW - Welcomed by Chicago’s Christmas Ship’s Official Party, Press and Ricover Naval Acadadamy Band.  Band boards and plays on ship’s Buoy deck.

0930 - USCGC MACKINAW - Decorating by Chicago’s Marine Community Volunteers, assisted by ship’s crew.

0930 - 10:00 USCGC MACKINAW - 200 Manteno third graders board for exterion on & off tour

0930 - USCGC MACKINAW - Decorating 1000 to 1100, 1100 to 1200 and 13:00 to 14:00 - USCGC MACKINAW Host  School Children for Classes on board, Additional Youth on tour . And Younger School kids tours (Prearraged)

1800 - Ptritzker Military Library (By Invitation ONLY) Reception. for VIPs, Participants, and DONORS. Become a welcome Donor by making your contribution of $100 or more. Click “Donate” at: WWW.CHRISTMASSHIP.org

2100 - Reception ends


December 5th , 2009 - SATURDAY

0800 - Volunteer Registration at McDonalds in Navy Pier. (Volunteers should pre-register by email, See Volunteer under Contact for the procedure.)  Refreshments for registered volunteers at Mc Donalds

0915 Taft High School Chorus                  Presentation

0950 - Lee Murdock performs the event signature songs, including “When the Big Mack comes to our Harbor”

(Offload trees suspended during the entire program, including during the presentation of the colors & Shipmasters Ceremony.)    

1000 - COMMENCE PROGRAM - Rich Renik, Master of Ceremonies 

Presentation of Colors                    Uniuformed Youth Units,  Color Guard 

Memorial Wreath Ceremony                            US Merchant Marine Officers Honors Unit

US COAST GUARD FLY OVER                        Memorial Wreath drop-at-sea ceremony

Speakers:                                                              Master of Ceremonies introduces speakers:

                 CAPT Luann Barndt Commander, USCG Sector Lake Michigan 

                 CDR Scott J. Smith Commanding Officer, USCG Cutter Mackinaw

                 Honored Guests Introduced and remarks

 

Presentation of Trees To representative Families

Master of Ceremonies: Calls for a “Chicago send off” to the Christmas tree trucks.

 

1330 to 1700 - USCGC MACKINAW - Public Tours on board.

Dockside Viewing of the decorated ship exterior. Throughout the ships stay here visitors may view the ship from land during the day and evening. The ship displays traditional Christmas lighting after sunset.

USCGC MACKINAW departs Chicago!

 

Seasons Greetings

From all of those who are participating in the Chicago’s Christmas Ship 2009 Event