
***

May 22nd is the date when the American ship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia in 1819 and became the first transoceanic voyage ever made under steam power. Hence the day was chosen for the date of tribute.

In 2002, the Military Sealift Command held a memorial service in Washington D.C. Rear Admiral David Brewer III and Gordon England, Secretary of the Navy, tossed a wreath into the Anacostia River at the Washington Navy Yard in honor of the fallen mariners.
Capt. Susan Dunlap & Capt. Robert Burk during ceremonial in Hawaii
In 2013, National Maritime Day was celebrated with picnics and tours at the Port of San Diego; maritime career fairs in Seattle and Baltimore, as well as the traditional memorial ceremonies.


Merchant Marine cap insignia
############################################################################################

For A striking story sent to us from fellow blogger, Argus, we have the story of the N.S. Savannah.