National Maritime Day
May 22nd is National Maritime Day, first declared so by Congress in 1933.
Its observance honors the contributions of the American merchant marine, civilians who have defended the freedom of the United States since 1775, and who executed the largest sealift the world has ever known during World War II.
Observance of National Maritime Day also honors the maritime industry and the benefits it brings Americans in terms of transportation, jobs, goods, and recreational opportunities.
This year, the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of American History will be opening a new exhibit, "On the Water," on Maritime Day, and the Maritime Administration's observance will also serve as the opening ceremony for the exhibit. The new maritime exhibit is part of the museum's transportation exhibit, "America on the Move." There are a number of observances on or about Maritime Day in Washington, DC. Those are listed on our Calendar of Events.
Did You Know?
National Maritime Day has been declared a Day of Remembrance and Prayer for Mariners and People of the Sea by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This Day of Remembrance and Prayer will be observed nationwide on May 22nd, 2009.
Is your organization planning an observance for National Maritime Day, or during National Transportation Week (May 10-16, 2009)? Let us know, and we'll add it to our calendar!
