Industry Celebrates National Maritime Day

This past Tuesday, May 22nd, the 79th National Maritime Day was celebrated and remembered throughout the United States.

A Grateful Nation Thanks Maritime Workers

Edward Wytkind, president of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD) issued this statement to commemorate National Maritime Day:

“As we celebrate the 79th National Maritime Day in the U.S., we express our gratitude to the nation’s skilled maritime and longshore workers who endure hardships and make sacrifices to keep cargo and people moving and the economy thriving.

“A strong maritime industry is critical to our multi-modal transportation system and economy, and it plays a critical role in protecting national security. But because our ships and navigation channels are not as visible as congested highways, aging bridges and deteriorating transit systems, funding for our ports and waterways is far too often pushed down the priority list. This neglect must end.

“We also renew our vigorous support for a strong, privately owned U.S.-flag fleet through policies such as U.S. cargo preference laws and the Jones Act. These laws are essential if the U.S. is to keep an adequate pool of trained mariners capable of meeting sealift objectives. TTD is also 100 percent behind the RAMP Act – common sense legislation that would ensure funds collected under the Harbor Maintenance Tax go solely to maintaining our ports and waterways.

“The skilled employees in the maritime industry work tirelessly to keep our country and our economy moving, often in dangerous and trying circumstances. It is especially appropriate to pause today and thank these workers who risk their lives to preserve our freedom and our economic strength around the world.

“TTD honors these men and women on this 79th National Maritime Day and pledge to do even more to support their jobs and the industry to which they have dedicated their careers.”

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NC Ports Hosts National Maritime Day Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony

A National Maritime Day Wreath Laying Ceremony was held to honor the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine. The annual ceremony, held at the Veteran’s Memorial Wall on Wilmington’s riverfront, was hosted by the NC State Ports Authority to pay tribute to the rich maritime history in North Carolina.

The Merchant Marine is responsible for transporting cargo and passengers along waterways during peace time. In time of war, the Merchant Marine is an auxiliary to the Navy, often called the “fourth arm of defense”, to deliver troops and supplies for the military.

Beginning in 1941 in Wilmington, Merchant Mariners were instrumental in the quick building turnaround of Liberty Ships which were used to transport valuable goods and troops around the globe. The Wilmington shipyard, the present day Port of Wilmington, built 243 of these ships between 1941 and 1945.

“The NC State Ports Authority cherishes its ties to the US Merchant Marine, dating back to World War II. Today our maritime industry is a valuable source of skilled employment for American workers, contributing billions of dollars to our economy and is a critical part of our transportation system,” said Jeff Miles, Chief Operating Officer, NC State Ports Authority.

The wreath laying ceremony honors the memory and service of Merchant Mariners who served our country. Of the 243,000 Merchant Mariners who served in World War II, more than 9,500 died – the highest casualty rate of all the U.S. services. The event was open to the public and well-attended by local veterans.

Among the presenters at the event were New Hanover County Board of Commissioners Chairman Ted Davis, Jr.; U.S. Merchant Marine (retired) James Tompkins; CDR Billy Mitchell, US Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, and Reverend Ritchie Womack of the International Seamen’s Center at the Port of Wilmington. The Ashley High School JROTC provided the presentation of colors and the national anthem for the ceremony.