Sen. Formica Attends National Maritime Day Ceremony

Today State Senator Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) attended a memorial service in honor of National Maritime Day at the former Maritime Officers Training School at Fort Trumbull.

National Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes our nation’s merchant mariners for their contributions and sacrifices for our country. In honor of the special day, Sen. Formica, pictured with Harold Haugeto class of ’97 U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), attended the local ceremony to recognize all those who have served and to honor the maritime history of Connecticut.

The event was hosted by the USMMA Alumni Foundation Connecticut Shoreline Chapter along with the American Merchant Marine Veterans Association and the Naval Armed Guards Association. The ceremony included a noon naval gun salute and the reading of the presidential National Maritime Day Proclamation. The ceremony was followed by a lunch at the New London Custom House.

National Maritime Day was designated by Congress in 1933 to celebrate America’s maritime industry and its merchant mariners. The day has since evolved into an opportunity to recognize all American mariners, especially those who gave their lives for their country in times of war. Merchant Mariners serve the national security, marine transportation, and economic needs of the United States.

Learn more: https://www.marad.dot.gov/education/national-maritime-day/a-short-history-on-national-maritime-day/.