National Maritime Day is a United States holiday created to recognize the maritime industry. It is observed on May 22, the date in 1819 that the American steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first ever transoceanic voyage under steam power.
In 2020, the Door County Maritime Museum, home to the restored tugboat John Purves (and a member of the Historic Naval Ships Association & the Council of American Maritime Museums), organized a synchronized ship’s whistle salute in honor of health care workers on the front lines as the coronavirus pandemic began. Ships from coast to coast took part.
We would like to make the coordinated whistle salute an annual event. This year, it makes sense to once again pay tribute to health care workers who fought to save lives over the past year, while also honoring the merchant mariners who have kept goods moving around the globe despite the challenges of the pandemic.
OUR PLAN
Saturday, May 22, 2021 at NOON (Central) (1PM Eastern & 10AM Pacific): All ships moored are encouraged to sound a “Master’s Salute” simultaneously. A “Master’s Salute” consists of three long blasts (:05 each) followed by two short blasts (:02 each).
Every participating vessel is asked to shoot video for social media and share with the hashtag #MaritimeHonors – as well as their own hashtag of choice.
LOCALLY: Each ship is encouraged to share this notice ahead of the event with their local maritime community. Make sure you notify local Coast Guard units so they are aware of your plans.
STURGEON BAY: The Historic Tug John Purves will count down on VHF Channel 16 & 71 to the Noon (central time) salute.
The Museum, respecting waterways rules, has contacted the US Coast Guard stations in Northeast Wisconsin to make them aware of the plan, as well as seek their participation in the event.
CONTACT:
Kevin Osgood, Executive Director or Sam Perlman, Deputy Director
(920) 743-5958
Door County Maritime Museum & Lighthouse Preservation Society
120 North Madison Avenue, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235-3416
www.dcmm.org
Discover more from Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM)
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