National Maritime Day is a United States holiday created to recognize the maritime industry. It is observed on May 22, the date in 1819 that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power. The holiday was created by the United States Congress on May 20, 1933.
Due to Covid-19 pandemic, National Maritime Day ceremony held virtually:
"Since the founding of our great Nation, we have relied on merchant mariners to deliver goods to market and strengthen our national security. On National Maritime Day, we recognize the United States Merchant Marine for all it does to facilitate our commerce and protect our interests at sea."
"This year, as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, we pay tribute to the United States merchant mariners who served as the “Fourth Arm of Defense” for our Nation during the war. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign into law long-overdue legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the valiant civilian merchant mariners who maintained critical supply lines to our overseas troops and allies during the Second World War."U.S. Ports Thank Mariners and Longshoremen on National Maritime Day (read full proclamation:)
BY THE MARITIME EXECUTIVE 05-21-2020 04:59:31
"On Friday, seaports across America will celebrate the contributions of the maritime industry by commemorating National Maritime Day.
The American Association of Port Authorities has called on vessels moored at all American ports to sound their horns at 1200 hours local time Friday. This "Sound Off for National Maritime Day" event is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery effort, and it recognizes the sacrificies made by seafarers and port workers in slowing the spread while ensuring a steady flow of commerce." (Read More)
Additional Resources
- National Maritime Day – MARAD
- National Maritime Day Reflections in the Era of COVID-19 (Captain Jim Tobin is the President of the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation)
- National Maritime Day: Merchant Mariners of Military Sealift Command
- Behind the Scenes Seafarers' House
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