Free Republic

Since the founding of our great Nation, we have relied on merchant mariners to deliver goods to market and strengthen our national security.  On National Maritime Day, we recognize the United States Merchant Marine for all it does to facilitate our commerce and protect our interests at sea.Our Nation’s merchant mariners enable peaceful trade with countries around the world and provide vital sealift support to our Armed Forces.  Whether on the ocean or our inland waterways, merchant mariners support our economy by transporting billions of dollars of imported and exported goods.  These men and women also sail bravely into...

~ The FReeper Canteen Presents ~ ~ National Maritime Day (May 22nd) ~ STEAMSHIP SAVANNAH - 1819 On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah left its home port of Savannah, Georgia on its way to Liverpool, England. The ship "put to sea with steam and sails" and reached Liverpool in 29 days and four hours, becoming the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. While the steam engine performed faultlessly, it was not the only means of propulsion; historians have estimated that the Savannah was under sail 80% of the time. Nonetheless, it was an impressive achievement, one that signaled...

National Maritime Day, 2006 A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America The United States Merchant Marine plays an important role in ensuring our national security and strengthening our economy. As we celebrate National Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant Marine Act, we pay tribute to merchant mariners and their faithful service to our Nation. Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our country, and in 1936, the Merchant Marine Act officially established their role in our military as a wartime naval auxiliary. During World War II, merchant mariners were critical to the delivery...