June 6, 2018 — Giants filled Seamen’s Bethel on Tuesday afternoon.
A ceremony dedicated to Portuguese fishermen lost at sea used the moment to not only remember those who died but also those who lived.
Tears filled the eyes of Peter Pereira, who organized the event, and his voice cracked a bit as he pointed to his father, whom he also called his hero.
“My generation is a fortunate generation. Why?” said Pereira, a Standard-Times photographer. “Because we have lived all our lives standing on the shoulders of giants. Giants. Courageous men and women. We never had to do anything compared to you guys.”
Many of the giants Pereira referred to came from Figueira da Foz, Portugal. Five gave their lives while sailing from New Bedford.
President of Figueira da Foz Joao Ataide and a few dozen in attendance remembered them.