KINGS POINT, N.Y., May 28, 2025 – On May 22, the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point observed National Maritime Day. Although the celebrations had to be moved indoors, faculty, staff and midshipmen took time to honor U.S. Merchant Mariners and the critical role that maritime industry has played in our Nation’s history.

Midshipmen celebrated with a brief cake-cutting ceremony during lunch, but the highlight of the day was the formal National Maritime Day Ceremony, held in Delano Hall. Captain Sean Tortora, USMS, a Master Mariner and Professor of Marine Transportation, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. The invocation was given by Commander Matthew Bonvento, another merchant mariner and marine transportation professor.

The most senior merchant mariner present, Chief Engineer and Professor of Marine Engineering, Peter Kahl, ’79, read the Proclamation on National Maritime Day, 2025. President Trump’s proclamation honored the contributions of merchant mariners to our Nation, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He stated, “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.”

Following the Proclamation, Rear Adm. Dave Wulf highlighted how the United States Merchant Marine and “graduates of this Academy have heroically supported every major military action our Nation has undertaken over the past eighty plus years.” He then introduced, the keynote speaker, Rear Admiral Mark Haigis, ’91, Deputy Commander, Military Sealift Command.

Haigis addressed the regiment and guests. He expressed his honor to be present on the 92nd National Maritime Day. He said, "As we come together to celebrate the proud legacy of America’s maritime community, today we take time to pause and recognize the critical role of the United States Merchant Marine, a force that has been a steadfast protector of our freedoms, our prosperity, and our global reach for nearly 250 years. From before the Revolutionary War to the recent actions on the Red Sea, from disaster relief to international trade, America’s mariners have always faithfully delivered.” Haigis finished with a quote from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who dedicated “our great school in 1943, he said, ‘a strong merchant marine is not just part of our defense it is part of our character.’” Indeed, our character as a maritime nation has always been defined by those willing to carry the burdens of service at sea. You are the latest stewards of that character, and I have every confidence that you will carry it forward with courage and conviction. So today—on National Maritime Day—we honor the past, we serve the present, and we know that you will shape the future. May God bless the merchant marine and all who sail in her service. Acta Non Verba!”

The solemn ceremony concluded with Capt. Tortora thanking the all-volunteer, National Maritime Day Committee, for organizing the event and Rear Adm. Haigis for his heartfelt remarks.

The afternoon transitioned into an evening focused on future merchant mariners. The Academy community came together to celebrate with a barbecue and games for all hands.

To see the full video, click: USMMA’s 2025 National Maritime Day Ceremony

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By a joint resolution of Congress approved May 20, 1933, May 22nd of each year is designated as National Maritime Day.  Congress authorized and requested that the President of the United States issue a proclamation recognizing National Maritime Day and calling for its appropriate observance in ceremonies and events held throughout the country.  During National Maritime Day, the country celebrates its proud maritime history and salutes the mariners who have transported American goods across the oceans in times of peace and war.

The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, N.Y, educates and graduates licensed merchant mariners and leaders of exemplary character who will serve America’s marine transportation and defense needs in peace and war. The U.S. Merchant Marine is administered by the Maritime Administration under the auspices of the Department of Transportation.