America Celebrates National Maritime Day ; Port of Corpus Christi celebrates mariners on National Maritime Day

America Celebrates National Maritime Day
2018-05-21 https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/america-celebrates-national-m...

On May 22, the American maritime industry will celebrate National Maritime Day, which was designated by Congress in 1933 to celebrate America's maritime industry and its merchant mariners.

Congress selected May 22 to commemorate the American steam/sailing ship Savannah’s voyage from the United States to England, the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean using steam propulsion. The day has since evolved into an opportunity to recognize all American mariners, especially those who gave their lives for their country in time of war. Of the 250,000 members of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served in World War II, 6,700 perished - a higher wartime casualty rate than that suffered in any of the armed forces.

This year, National Maritime Day will be remembered at dozens of events across the nation. Among many others, these gatherings and activities include:

- Commemorative program and wreath-laying at the Department of Transportation's headquarters in Washington, D.C., 1000 EST on May 22 (RSVP only). Attendees include American Association of Port Authorities president and CEO Kurt Nagle.

- Propeller Club of the Port of Duluth-Superior, University of Minnesota Duluth, 1200 CDT on May 22. The event's keynote speech will be delivered by William P. Doyle, the CEO and executive director of the Dredging Contractors of America and a former member of the Federal Maritime Commission.

- Port of Galveston and Texas A&M University National Maritime Day event, including museum tours, a Coast Guard search and rescue demonstration and a commemorative ceremony. Pier 21, 0800-1700 CDT on May 22.

- The Port Canaveral Maritime Day Celebration, including a memorial ceremony, harbor tour and wreath laying ceremony, 1000 EST on May 26.

- The Port of San Diego Maritime Month, extending throughout May. A limited number of free bus and boat tours of the San Diego Bay, with service provided by Hornblower. To RSVP, visit https://www.portofsandiego.org/maritimemonth

Port of Corpus Christi celebrates mariners on National Maritime Day
May 22 2018 https://www.ajot.com/news/port-of-corpus-christi-celebrates-mariners-on-...

The Port of Corpus Christi, the fourth largest port by tonnage and number one crude oil export port in the United States, today celebrates the men and women who serve the U.S. Merchant Marine industry as part of National Maritime Day, highlighting the vital contributions they make in facilitating global trade.

At various events throughout the day, each Port facility will host a small celebration for its employees. Later this evening Port staff will present gift bags to mariners at the Corpus Christi International Seaman’s Center. The Port has also placed ads commemorating National Maritime Day in local newspapers.
National Maritime Day was declared by Congress in 1933 to call attention to America’s proud maritime heritage and to honor the men and women who serve and have served as U.S. merchant mariners.
“The Corpus Christi International Seamen’s Center is truly grateful for the partnership we have with the Port of Corpus Christi,” said Sharon Emerson, Executive Director. “Without this partnership, the Seamen’s Center would be hard-pressed to offer the same quality service to the thousands of foreign and domestic seafarers who visit our Port.”
America’s seaports support more than 23 million American jobs, annually generate more than $321 billion in federal, state and local taxes, account for over a quarter of the U.S. economy and handle more than 2.2 billion metric tons of international and domestic cargo.
“As stewards of maritime commerce, seafarers and the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine industry are integral to the economic prosperity of our nation,” said Sean Strawbridge, POCCA CEO.