Celebrating National Maritime Day

Congress first designated May 22 as National Maritime Day in 1933, in honor of the Steamship Savannah being the first vessel to cross the Atlantic using steam propulsion on May 22, 1819.

On this 87^th National Maritime Day, the United States pauses to recognize our Maritime Industry and the tens of thousands of women and men, including the U.S.

Merchant Marine, longshoremen, truck drivers, and U.S. Port workers, whose hard work and sacrifices make our national economy function. This year more than ever, our front-line maritime workers keep vital supplies and cargo moving, despite the challenges presented by the current pandemic. Our Ports have remained open and operational throughout this period, barges have continued to move up and down our inland waterways, and our ferries have continued to carry passengers and vehicles.

Please join the Marine Practice at Envista Forensics in thanking the U.S. Merchant Marine and all marine workers on National Maritime Day 2020. At 1200 local time on May 22, vessels in Ports across the country will "Sound Off for National Maritime Day" by sounding their horns. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, the U.S. Maritime Administration will stream their annual Maritime Day ceremony online this year. We also remember the thousands of U.S. merchant mariners who have given their lives in service to the United States, including over 6,700 lost during World War II. Without our Merchant Marine and all of our marine workers, we would not be the strong nation we are today.