SIU members, officials and a large contingent of unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. on May 19 joined scores of dignitaries who attended and participated in a pair National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C.Sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the two events were held at the U.S. Navy Memorial and the Washington Naval Yard, respectively.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, delivered the keynote address at the MarAd ceremony.
“We are here today to pay special tribute to all merchant mariners. It is a time for us to reflect and honor the rich history of the United States Merchant Marine,” she stated. “Even before the United States was born, the U.S. Merchant Marine then and now is vital to supporting the twin pillars of our country’s strength, and that is economic prosperity and national security.
“In peacetime, a patriotic mariner keeps America working by transporting our imports and exports,” she continued. “They crew the ships that conduct our country’s worldwide commerce. And that’s so important because as many of you in this audience know, 95 percent of our trade is moved by sea.”
Secretary Chao also noted the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. “We’ve had the introduction of two new cruise ships to enter the American-flag passenger trade and they are providing thousand of good-paying jobs for American workers,” she stated. “The Pride of Aloha has been operating in the Hawaiian trades now for almost one year. And the Pride of America is expected to reach New York Harbor in early June … and that should be very exciting.
“This administration and the maritime community work together to further strengthen the industry by supporting flexibility….. As a result, the American maritime industry is expected to invest more into strengthening our fleet and creating more jobs for our American mariners.”
Finally, she observed, “In times of war, our nation is especially grateful for the special role that merchant mariners play in support of national defense. And that realization is never more keen than now. Today, more than 8,000 brave merchant mariners crew auxiliary vessel for the United States Navy to support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. They have delivered more than 92 percent of the equipment and supplies needed by our troops. It is in part due to the service of the U.S. Merchant Marine that America has gained the strongest military force the world has ever known.
“When the history of this era is written, the United States Merchant Marine will be remembered as vital to toppling a brutal regime and helping to build a stable and democratic Middle East. The U.S. Merchant Marine serves our country during times of peace and war with distinction and often at personal risk. So today, I am so pleased to be with all of you so that we together can honor their sacrifices which will ensure that freedom and opportunity will forever be a beacon of America’s hope.”
At the conclusion of Secretary Chao’s presentation, awards were given to the family of the late Walter Oates and Capt. George Bark, U.S. Merchant Marine (ret.). Despite being the nation’s oldest service, the U.S. Merchant Marine until recent years did not have an official flag or seal. Oates and Bark in 1994 put an end to this absence of a rallying symbol and made history in the process when they created the U.S. Merchant Marine Flag and Seal. Both men attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Oates graduated in 1942 while Bark finished in 1944.
Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Md.) served as the principal speaker during the MSC ceremony which was conducted at the Washington Navy Yard. Representative Bartlett paid tribute to generations of U.S. merchant mariners by noting the roles they played in America before it officially was a nation. The congressmen reflected on the extreme sacrifice of the merchant marine during times of war when he said, “Your service had the highest casualty rate during World War II except for the Marine Corps… Thank you for your contribution to keeping this nation a great, free country.”
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 took time out to meet and greet 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.
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