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MARAD Observes National Maritime Day 2010
In 1933, Congress designated each May 22 as National Maritime Day.
The day originally commemorated the first successful transoceanic steamship crossing by the SS
SAVANNAH. In following years, however, the day’s observance developed into an occasion
for honoring the sacrifices and contributions of America’s merchant mariners and the entire U.S.
maritime industry.
Each year, the Maritime Administration observes this special day with appropriate pomp,
patriotism and respect.
In 2010, because May 22 fell on a weekend, the event was held on May 18 at DOT headquarters in
Washington, DC. Maritime Administrator David T. Matsuda invited legislators, representatives from
the U.S. maritime industry, MARAD and DOT employees, staff, and students from USMMA to
observe National Maritime Day together.
Maritime Administrator David T. Matsuda (at podium) welcomes attendees to the National Maritime Day
observance held at DOT/MARAD headquarters in Washington, DC, on May 18, 2010.
Seafarer International Union President Michael Sacco greets a group of seaman apprentices.
Merchant mariner and USMMA graduate Darin Rupinski (Class of 2008) receives the Merchant Marine Medal for
Outstanding Achievement from Administrator Matsuda during the National Maritime Day observance. Mr. Rupinski’s
quick and professional actions helped save lives on the Deepwater Horizon oil drilling platform after it exploded in the
Gulf of Mexico in April 2010.
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