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National Maritime Day in United States

Quick Facts

National Maritime Day is annually observed in the United States on May 22. It is a time to observe its maritime heritage, to honor those who served as merchant mariners, and to recognize the benefits of the maritime industry.

Local names

NameLanguage
National Maritime DayEnglish
Día Marítimo NacionalSpanish

National Maritime Day 2013

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

National Maritime Day 2014

Thursday, May 22, 2014
List of dates for other years

May 22 is National Maritime Day in the United States each year. This day reflects the gratitude that Americans have for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country. It also recognizes ships and seafarers who have held a special place in the nation's history.

National Maritime Day recognizes the benefits of the maritime industry.

©iStockphoto.com/dan_prat

What do people do?

Many communities and organizations in the United States observe National Maritime Day in a variety of ways. Activities and events include open houses and special celebrations hosted by seaports. Some businesses may host special luncheons while other people attend memorial observances at merchant marine memorials. This day pays special tribute to the benefits that the maritime industry provides for the United States, as well as people who served as merchant mariners in service to their country.

Public life

National Maritime Day is an observance but it is not a federal public holiday in the United States.

Background

National Maritime Day is observed on May 22, the date that the American steamship Savannah sailed from the United States to England. This event marked the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean using steam propulsion.  On May 20, 1933, Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day. During World War II more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served their country, with more than 6700 giving their lives, hundreds being detained as prisoners of war and more than 800 ships being sunk or damaged.

In 2006 the Maritime Administration joined forces with the American Association of Port Authorities, the US Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Council Inc, the US Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other entities involved in the maritime industry to raise the awareness of National Maritime Day and of the maritime industry as a whole.

The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on: people to observe National Maritime Day by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes or other suitable places; and government officials to display the flag on all government buildings on National Maritime Day.

Symbols

Some symbols that have been used to depict National Maritime Day include: an image or drawing of an anchor, strapped with a rope around the middle, to symbolize the maritime life; and an image or drawing of a steering wheel used on a ship or boat.

National Maritime Day Observances

WeekdayDateYearNameHoliday typeWhere it is observed
TueMay 221990National Maritime DayObservance 
WedMay 221991National Maritime DayObservance 
FriMay 221992National Maritime DayObservance 
SatMay 221993National Maritime DayObservance 
SunMay 221994National Maritime DayObservance 
MonMay 221995National Maritime DayObservance 
WedMay 221996National Maritime DayObservance 
ThuMay 221997National Maritime DayObservance 
FriMay 221998National Maritime DayObservance 
SatMay 221999National Maritime DayObservance 
MonMay 222000National Maritime DayObservance 
TueMay 222001National Maritime DayObservance 
WedMay 222002National Maritime DayObservance 
ThuMay 222003National Maritime DayObservance 
SatMay 222004National Maritime DayObservance 
SunMay 222005National Maritime DayObservance 
MonMay 222006National Maritime DayObservance 
TueMay 222007National Maritime DayObservance 
ThuMay 222008National Maritime DayObservance 
FriMay 222009National Maritime DayObservance 
SatMay 222010National Maritime DayObservance 
SunMay 222011National Maritime DayObservance 
TueMay 222012National Maritime DayObservance 
WedMay 222013National Maritime DayObservance 
ThuMay 222014National Maritime DayObservance 
FriMay 222015National Maritime DayObservance 
SunMay 222016National Maritime DayObservance 
MonMay 222017National Maritime DayObservance 
TueMay 222018National Maritime DayObservance 
WedMay 222019National Maritime DayObservance 
FriMay 222020National Maritime DayObservance 

Other holidays in May 2013 in United States

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