Today’s photos and story are from Andrea Guerriero over at DRE Designs – Great Lakes Marine Products. She tells the story better than I ever could... this is what she had to say about the photos and video:

“If this doesn't end your day by putting a smile on your face I'm not sure what will.
This is our friend Mason Harris and he's a huge shipping fan... he's a huge Interlake Steamship Company fan... he's a HUGE James R Barker fan and a HUGE HUGE Captain Brad Newland fan!!
We were all excited to see Captain Brad Newland and the James R Barker today here in Sault Ste Marie but I don't think anyone was more excited than Mason... he had his Interlake flag, he had his sign that said "Welcome Back James R Barker" on one side and "Thank you Captain Brad" on the other... He also had his own tablet to record Captain Newland's arrival and after the HUGE #BarkerBark we heard, Captain came out and yelled hello to him and said something about his sign. After when we were walking back to our cars he said "Did he say my name?" and he DID which made it the best day EVER!!

It was really amazing watching the JRB go by this afternoon with Captain Newland back aboard... His salute for Miss Edna and the way he came out to say hello to Mason was so heartwarming to watch and to see the excitement on Mason's face was priceless. It's something you couldn't make up if you tried and I'm so glad I was there for it, it made my day, too.

So a HUGE thank you to Captain Newland for all you did to brighten everyone's day... You may not think it's much, but it is... and for many, it's everything.”

Wow! Warms you heart is right! Both for the Capt and
Mason!!! What a great story.

Congratulations to all the NMU grads who will walk today -
including my cousin Adrianna! So proud of you. Blessings
in your continued education.

p.s. They will be the last class to have the REAL alma
mater sung at their graduation. Just sayin'.

Wow! That's exciting stuff for me.
Can you imagine the joy Mason was
feeling? Good for him. The video
was so cool.

Oh how cool...I'm not the boat nerd, but this
washed my face~ Lil' Mason is the star today!

Bless you little man!

Great pics and a very cool video! Good for you
Mason!!

Jbuck, I was not aware of the change in song. I
support my University and donate quite often, but
and probably like most guys... Jbuck don't shoot
me, I do not remember our song. lol Not sure if I
ever knew it to be honest. I did walk that summer
graduation day back in 80 and they even had my
diploma with my name on it, lol. If I had to do it
again, I would have still went to NMU, it was a
great learning experience from the books and being
away from home was also a very valuable education
in itself. When you're 8 hours from home, one
learns how to fend for themselves rather quickly.
I still keep in touch with my buddies still to
this day.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend all.