Every year on May 22, National Maritime Day recognizes the launch of the maritime industry in the United States.
The celebration also honors America’s merchant mariners for their contributions and sacrifices for our country.
Special acknowledgment is given to ships and seafarers that have held a prominent place in our nation’s history.
As a fundamental industry, its time-honored traditions comprise a full and rich history. Celebrations and ceremonies around the country recognize the people our maritime nation depends on.
In 1933, Congress approved designating May 22, 1933, as National Maritime Day to commemorate the day in 1819 when the steamship Savannah sailed from its namesake port, bound for England.
While the holiday commemorates a singular transatlantic event, the U.S. maritime industry encompasses nearly every state in the nation with many mariners working aboard vessels sailing on the nation’s lakes and rivers, and the world’s oceans.