The Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk will celebrate National Maritime

Day at a ceremony and reception aboard The Battleship Wisconsin at Nauticus, in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 22, 2024. Government and maritime industry leaders will be among the guests attending the commemoration.

Congress established May 22nd as National Maritime Day in 1933, to officially honor the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. merchant mariners in defense of the nation. These dedicated men and women are frequently considered the unsung heroes of the nation's defense. “We are extremely pleased to be able to celebrate National Maritime Day with local government and maritime business leaders, alongside merchant mariners. This event is an expression of our gratitude to the people essential to the United States’ maritime industry,” said Camille Crofton Cherry, President of Propeller Club, Port of Norfolk.

Mrs. Cherry will preside over the ceremony, which includes the Presentation of Colors by the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, the introduction of the evening’s speaker by Rear Admiral Philip E. Sobeck, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC) and a keynote address by General Jacqueline Van Ovost, Commander U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM).

The theme of National Maritime Day in 2024 is “Navigating the Future! Safety First”. Following General Van Ovost’s remarks, The Propeller Club will present its first ever Maritime Industry Service Award to acknowledge an industry stakeholder who has demonstrated exemplary character and service over self, a nod to the Merchant Mariners ethos. The ceremony will conclude with a reading of the National Maritime Day proclamation, and a wreath laying from the CROMO, a local historic dive vessel, in remembrance of mariners who died in service to the nation. National Maritime Day is both a day for celebration of the maritime industry and a solemn reminder of the importance, contributions, sacrifices of our merchant mariners.