America's maritime industry has made significant economic and defense contributions to our country and its citizens in times of war and peace throughout our nation's history.  From its earliest beginnings prior to the American Revolution, through the War of 1812, Civil War, two world wars, the Vietnam and Korean conflicts, and more recently the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. maritime industry continues to support and defend our freedom and liberty.
On May 22, the Maritime Administration honored our maritime industry, our mariners and our proud traditions on National Maritime Day

2. Propeller Club Luncheon

In 1933 Congress decreed May 22 as National Maritime Day. Since then, May 22 has been the official date set aside each year to honor the men and women who serve, and have served, as merchant mariners. On that date we make a special effort to thank them for their dedication in promoting commerce and protecting our freedoms. As well we highlight the importance of our industry and our maritime heritage. And every year on or right around that date The Propeller Club of Washington, D.C. and the Kings Point Club of Washignton host, jointly, a National Maritime Day Luncheon featuring a special keynote speaker.

The keynote speaker for 2012 was General William M. Fraser, III, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM)

3. Military Sealift Command celebrated National Maritime Day in Washington May 22.

Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, and Navy Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, Military Sealift Command, headlined the annual ceremony honoring U.S. merchant mariners at the Washington Navy Yard.

Government and maritime industry leaders were among 210 guests in attendance.

Merchant mariners have been the backbone of U.S. security and prosperity since the nation's founding, capturing the first British vessel in the War of Independence and delivering supplies during virtually every battle since, presently operating more than 100 ships around the globe on a daily basis. Today, more than 80 percent of MSC's nearly 10,000-member strong workforce are civil service and contract mariners.

"I can't think of a better place to be to celebrate Maritime Day," said Fraser. "America is grateful for your commitment to excellence and devotion to duty... We absolutely depend on you."

The formal military ceremony included the presentation of three wreaths to commemorate those mariners who perished while serving the nation. Guests stood and a member of the U.S. Navy Band Brass Quintet played "Taps," accompanied by a gun salute.

Information Systems Technician Seaman Apprentice Timothy Shirley, MSC Sailor of the Quarter; Apprentice Jason Knapp from Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at Piney Point, Md. and Midshipman Christopher Bernard from U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. served as wreath tenders.

The wreaths were later placed at the bronze relief sculpture at the Navy Memorial in downtown Washington.

"We at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, so it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine," said Buzby.

Army Lt. Col. Timothy D. Walls, command chaplain, U.S. Transportation Command, read the invocation, while Capt. Robert T. Wiley, MSC ship's master, led the responsive reading. The memorial prayer and the benediction were led by Capt. Paul L. Burmeister, MSC force chaplain.

During the ceremony, the U.S. Navy Band Brass Quintet played the national anthem and "God Bless America." Erin C. Gantt from MSC's Prepositioning Program sang "The Navy Hymn" and closed the ceremony with the official merchant mariner song, "Heave Ho, My Lads, Heave Ho," joined by Buzby in the duet.

For more information, visit
www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

Speaker: General William M. Fraser III
Commander USTRANSCOM

America's maritime industry has made significant economic and defense contributions to our country and its citizens in times of war and peace throughout our nation's history. From its earliest beginnings prior to the American Revolution, through the War of 1812, a civil war, two world wars, the Vietnam and Korean conflicts, and more recently the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the U.S. maritime industry continues to support and defend our freedom and liberty.

Please join the Maritime Administration as we pause briefly to honor our maritime industry, our mariners and our proud traditions on National Maritime Day.

When: Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Where:
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC.

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

We would welcome your presence and participation, for we recognize and sincerely appreciate your continued efforts on behalf of the American maritime industry