Maritime Day Celebration Port of Galveston May 22

The Port of Galveston will commemorate National Maritime Day with a free public event 8:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, May 22, at Pier 21. Sponsored by Moody Bank, the event will include vessel tours, maritime-related booths and a commemoration ceremony at 10 a.m.

Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO, said, “The port has recognized the contribution of mariners on Maritime Day for almost 20 years. We invite everyone to attend and take advantage of this special opportunity to learn more about maritime careers and the maritime industry.”

Exhibits will include a Galveston Texas City Pilots vessel and a Port of Galveston Police Department marine response vessel, as well in booths by Galveston Seafarers Center, Galveston Naval Museum, and Visit Galveston. A Bay-Houston Towing tugboat will perform a water cannon salute and maneuvers in front of the pier between 9 and 10 a.m.

During the ceremony, port police will set a wreath at the merchant marine World War II memorial plaque. Keynote speaker will be Col. (Ret.) Michael E. Fossum, vice president, Texas A&M University; chief operating officer, Texas A&M University at Galveston; and superintendent, Texas A&M Maritime Academy. Col. Fossum will speak about the importance of maritime careers and the need for workers to support the growing maritime industry.

Galveston College President Dr. W. Myles Shelton will speak about maritime-related careers and skills training at Galveston's public community college.

About Galveston’s National Maritime Day

The Galveston Wharves at the Port of Galveston has commemorated National Maritime Day with an annual public event for more than 16 years to recognize and remember all who work in the maritime industry. Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day in 1933.

Rees said, “We recognize the contributions of those who work in the maritime industry, and in particular merchant marines, to strengthen the U.S. economy and secure our nation.”

The maritime industry supports a wide range of businesses and jobs, including ship pilots, ship crews, barge and tugboat crews, union workers, shipping stevedores, onshore cruise staff, truck drivers, railroad workers, construction workers, ship builders, administrative staffs and many more.

Rees said, “Thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor Moody Bank, a long-time community partner, we’re able to make this year’s event the biggest yet. We encourage the community to join us for this special day.”