National Maritime Day, 2025
President Donald J. Trump's May 22, 2025 proclamation designates May 22nd as National Maritime Day, commemorating the S.S. Savannah's transatlantic voyage and honoring the United States Merchant Marine. The proclamation emphasizes the crucial role of merchant mariners in national defense, having supported military operations throughout history, and their importance to the American economy through global trade.
President Trump also highlights the recent Executive Order focused on restoring American maritime dominance through investment in shipbuilding, regulatory reform, and expanded training.
The proclamation concludes with a call for Americans to observe the day and display the national flag.
Arguments For
The proclamation recognizes the historical significance of the S.S. Savannah's voyage and the ongoing contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
Celebrating National Maritime Day raises public awareness of the vital role merchant mariners play in national defense and economic prosperity.
The act of issuing a presidential proclamation underscores the importance of maritime industries and promotes national unity and pride.
Formal recognition, like this proclamation, can boost morale within the merchant marine community and encourage recruitment and retention of skilled mariners.
Arguments Against
Some may argue that a presidential proclamation is not sufficient to address the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. Merchant Marine, such as competition and infrastructure needs.
Critics might point out that the focus on the historical context outweighs action-oriented measures towards enhancing the sector's competitiveness and its workforce in a rapidly changing maritime landscape.
While symbolic, some may assert that the celebratory nature of the proclamation may not offer substantial tangible support for the sector.
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
This is the formal introduction to a presidential proclamation, indicating the document's authority and purpose.
More than 200 years ago, the American steamship S.S. Savannah set sail across the Atlantic, becoming the first vessel of its kind to complete the journey. That daring voyage marked the start of American maritime excellence. From that first crossing to the increasingly important shipping lanes of today, America’s strength at sea has always been driven by the United States Merchant Marine and the skilled merchant mariners who support our economy and readiness in times of peace, crisis, and war.
This section establishes the historical context of National Maritime Day, beginning with the S.S. Savannah's groundbreaking voyage.
It also highlights the long-standing role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in maintaining America's maritime strength and economic stability.
Merchant mariners play a vital role in our national defense, standing ready to support military operations whenever they are needed. As civilian seafarers, they deliver troops, weapons, and supplies through dangerous conditions to sustain our Armed Forces in times of conflict. During World War II, more than 243,000 merchant mariners risked their lives to aid the war effort and help secure victory and freedom. Their service came at a price as these merchant mariners suffered a higher casualty rate than all branches of the United States military during the war. Their courage and heroism reflect a deep commitment to the Nation that we hold in the highest honor and shall never forget.
This part emphasizes the critical role of merchant mariners in national defense, specifically their contributions during wartime. It acknowledges the high casualty rate among merchant mariners during World War II and honors their sacrifices.
Beyond their role in national defense, merchant mariners help drive American economic strength. They operate the vessels that transport goods, energy, and raw materials to and from our shores, supporting global trade and connecting United States producers with international markets. Their work supports key industries across the American economy, including shipping, shipbuilding, logistics, and energy.
This section underscores the significant contribution of merchant mariners to the American economy by facilitating trade and supporting various industries.
The United States is a proud maritime nation, and as President, I am bringing a renewed focus to reestablishing our dominance at sea. Last month, I signed an Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance to spur investment in American shipbuilding, eliminate outdated regulations, and expand merchant mariner training and education. These reforms are critical to securing supply chains, protecting key trade routes, and countering growing threats from foreign adversaries.
The President asserts the importance of maintaining America's maritime dominance and mentions a related executive order aimed at improvements in shipbuilding, regulation, and training to achieve that goal.
This section connects the celebration to ongoing efforts to strengthen the maritime sector.
Today, we celebrate the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and all those who support our maritime industry. Their dedication upholds our national defense, fuels our economy, and continues a proud tradition that has shaped our Nation since its earliest days.
This paragraph summarizes the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine to the nation and serves as a transition to the formal proclamation.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship, in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.
This section details the legislative basis for issuing the annual National Maritime Day proclamation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2025, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.
This is the official proclamation declaring May 22, 2025 as National Maritime Day, and calls for its observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth. DONALD J. TRUMP
This is the closing of the proclamation, signifying the President's signature and the date.
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