SIU members and officials on May 19 participated in National Maritime Day ceremonies conducted in Washington, D.C. by the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Military Sealift Command, respectively.Photos from the ceremonies appear below.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, delivered the keynote address at the Maritime Administration ceremony, which took place at the U.S. Navy Memorial.
“American merchant mariners have a rich history in this nation,” Secretary Chao stated. “They have served in every American war since the United States was born. With their tradition of courage, patriotism and perseverance, merchant mariners have proven that they stand by this great nation no matter what the challenge. And in so doing, they have served as an inspiration to every generation of Americans.”
Her full remarks are available on the Department of Labor web site here
At the MSC ceremony, conducted at the Washington Navy Yard, U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Md.) paid tribune to generations of U.S. Merchant Mariners. “Thank you for your contribution to keeping this nation a great, free country,” he said.
Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, MSC’s commander, declared, “The professionalism and expertise of America’s merchant mariners, their dedication to freedom and democracy, and their willingness to sail wherever needed when duty calls has been their hallmark and their creed.”
Following the ceremony, Admiral Brewer spent several minutes greeting each of the unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center who were on hand for the observances. Afterward, the apprentices expressed great appreciation for Admiral Brewer’s warmth and sincerity.
Additional coverage of National Maritime Day will be published in the June edition of the Seafarers LOG.
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