Last Updated on March 5, 2023
For those of you who are wondering what ‘maritime’ means, maritime refers to transport by water. In other words, it refers to transporting people or goods by waterways. This was once a huge industry that people relied on for travel across long distances, particularly from one continent to another, especially before airplane commercialization. But now, the maritime industry is largely relied upon for transporting cargo rather than passengers. But, people still rely upon the maritime industry for short trips and luxury cruises. Nevertheless, travel by water is much cheaper than travel by air (unless you think about a luxury cruise). In the United States of America, May 22 is celebrated as National Maritime Day, a national holiday each year.
The history behind the National Maritime day
The United States Congress created national Maritime Day; it was started on the 20th of May in the year 1933. This was done on the occasion of celebrating the departure of ‘Savannah,’ an American Steamship, on the first-ever transoceanic voyage on a steamboat. The Savannah departed from Savannah, Georgia, on May 20, 1819. The Americans celebrate the maritime industry for the service and sacrifices they made for the United States of America during World War II. More than 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine served the country during World War II. 6700 members died for the nation, 800 United States merchant ships were sunk or damaged, and hundreds of members were taken as prisoners of war.
Facts about National Maritime Day
The symbols for National Maritime Day are the image of an anchor strapped with a rope around the middle and the image of the steering wheel of a ship or boat. Another fun fact about National Maritime Day is that on May 22, 2002, National Maritime Day was observed with a memorial at Washington, D.C., in honor of the fallen marines. Each year, the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation beckoning citizens of the United States to celebrate National Maritime Day by displaying the United States of America’s flag at their homes and government officials to display the national flag on all government buildings.
How to celebrate National Maritime Day?
One can celebrate National Maritime Day by:
- Creating awareness about National Maritime Day.
- Honoring fallen mariners and remembering their service and sacrifice for the nation.
- Remembering how important the maritime industry is in the nation’s growth and development.
- Hosting or attending luncheons with your local mariners.
Why celebrate National Maritime Day?
The Maritime industry is significant as it has been around since the British occupied America. It has been America’s largest source of income and one of the reasons for America’s tremendous growth and development. To celebrate National Maritime Day with your friends and family! National Maritime Day is more than just a holiday; it is a day that honors America’s past and celebrates America’s present. So this May 22, let’s celebrate National Maritime Day with this hashtag: #nationalmaritimeday!
When is National Maritime Day?
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 22 | Monday |
| 2024 | May 22 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 22 | Thursday |
