National Maritime Day, USA
 In
the United States of America, National Maritime Day has been
celebrated on 22 May every year since 1933.
In his address for National Maritime Day 2007, President
George W Bush said
America has a proud maritime history and the United
States Merchant Marine has played a vital role in helping
meet our country's economic and national security needs. On
National Maritime Day, we honour merchant mariners for their
dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our freedom.
Port Arthur Texas
In Port Arthur, Texas, the day’s events include the
Annual Maritime Memorial Service commemorating seafarers and
fishers who have died in the past year. This event is
usually held at the Seamen’s Memorial Sundial, a waterside
monument. This year, due to inclement weather, it was
rescheduled at the last minute to a warehouse in the port.
Fr Sinclair Oubre, President of AOS USA and port chaplain
in Port Arthur welcomed attendees to the service and led
prayers.
 The
event included a special recognition of the Texas Maritime
Academy at A&M University at Galveston and was attended by
Rear Admiral Allen Worley, superintendent of the academy,
and Dr. William McMullen, professor of maritime
transportation. The United States Coast Guard Marine Safety
Office at Port Arthur provided a guard of honour.
During the service, volunteer coordinator Earline Smith
read from Psalm 107.
Photographs: (1) Fr Sinclair Oubre prepares for the
service in Port Arthur (2) Fr Sinclair leading
National Maritime Day commemorations in Port Arthur 2006
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