National Maritime Day in the USA

In the United States of America, National Maritime Day has been celebrated on 22 May every year since 1933.

In his address for National Maritime Day 2007, President George W Bush said

America has a proud maritime history and the United States Merchant Marine has played a vital role in helping meet our country's economic and national security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our freedom.

In Port Arthur, Texas, the day’s events include the Annual Maritime Memorial Service commemorating seafarers and fishers who have died in the past year. This event is usually held at the Seamen’s Memorial Sundial, a waterside monument. This year, due to inclement weather, it was rescheduled at the last minute to a warehouse in the port.

Fr Sinclair Oubre prepares for the service in Port Arthur

Fr Sinclair Oubre, President of AOS USA and port chaplain in Port Arthur welcomed attendees to the service and led prayers.

The event included a special recognition of the Texas Maritime Academy at A&M University at Galveston and was attended by Rear Admiral Allen Worley, superintendent of the academy, and Dr. William McMullen, professor of maritime transportation. The United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Office at Port Arthur provided a guard of honour.

During the service, volunteer coordinator Earline Smith read from Psalm 107.

Fr Sinclair leading National Maritime Day commemorations in Port Arthur 2006