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.Name
National Maritime DayNational Maritime Day 2008
Thursday, May 22, 2008National Maritime Day 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009See list of observations below
National Maritime Day observes the United States' maritime heritage. ©iStockphoto.com/Thomas Hottner
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; special business luncheons; and 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.
In 2008, as part of its observance of National Maritime Day, the Steamship Historical Society of America is launching its "Image Porthole" containing thousands of preserved pictures of ships, ports, and people. Society members can help identify these nearly lost and forgotten images.
Public life
National Maritime Day is not a public holiday so public life is not affected.
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
| Weekday | Date | Year | Name | Holiday type | Where it is observed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu | May 22 | 1980 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 22 | 1981 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 22 | 1982 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 22 | 1983 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 22 | 1984 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 22 | 1985 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 22 | 1986 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 22 | 1987 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 22 | 1988 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 22 | 1989 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 22 | 1990 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 22 | 1991 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 22 | 1992 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 22 | 1993 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 22 | 1994 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 22 | 1995 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 22 | 1996 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 22 | 1997 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 22 | 1998 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 22 | 1999 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 22 | 2000 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 22 | 2001 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 22 | 2002 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 22 | 2003 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 22 | 2004 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 22 | 2005 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Mon | May 22 | 2006 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 22 | 2007 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 22 | 2008 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 22 | 2009 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sat | May 22 | 2010 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Sun | May 22 | 2011 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Tue | May 22 | 2012 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Wed | May 22 | 2013 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Thu | May 22 | 2014 | National Maritime Day | Observance | |
| Fri | May 22 | 2015 | National Maritime Day | Observance |
Other holidays in May 2008 in United States
- Ascension Day (Thursday, May 1, 2008)
- Law Day (Thursday, May 1, 2008)
- National Day of Prayer (Thursday, May 1, 2008)
- Loyalty Day (Thursday, May 1, 2008)
- Yom HaShoah (Friday, May 2, 2008)
- World Press Freedom Day (Saturday, May 3, 2008)
- Rhode Island Independence Day (Sunday, May 4, 2008)
- Cinco de Mayo (Monday, May 5, 2008)
- Truman Day (Thursday, May 8, 2008)
- Yom HaAtzmaut (Thursday, May 8, 2008)
- Confederate Memorial Day (Friday, May 9, 2008)
- Confederate Memorial Day (Saturday, May 10, 2008)
- Confederate Memorial Day (Saturday, May 10, 2008)
- Pentecost (Sunday, May 11, 2008)
- Mother's Day (Sunday, May 11, 2008)
- Whit Monday (Monday, May 12, 2008)
- Peace Officers Memorial Day (Thursday, May 15, 2008)
- International Day of Families (Thursday, May 15, 2008)
- National Defense Transportation Day (Friday, May 16, 2008)
- World Information Society Day (Saturday, May 17, 2008)
- Trinity Sunday (Sunday, May 18, 2008)
- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (Wednesday, May 21, 2008)
- Corpus Christi (Thursday, May 22, 2008)
- International Day for Biological Diversity (Thursday, May 22, 2008)
- Lag B'Omer (Friday, May 23, 2008)
- African Liberation Day (Sunday, May 25, 2008)
- Memorial Day (Monday, May 26, 2008)
Other calendars
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