National Maritime Day ceremony honors Merchant Marines

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –A wreath was placed in the Cape Fear River on Thursday during a ceremony honoring the U.S. Merchant Marine as part of National Maritime Day.

National Maritime Day is a federal observance that honors the maritime industry, especially merchant mariners. More than 9,000 Merchant Marines died during World War II while delivering supplies to U.S. forces overseas.

Steve Jackson attends the ceremony each year. He said he’s proud of what merchant mariners did during the war.

“They were an important part of our war effort in World War II. They were delivering all the goods to the war,” Jackson said.

“It’s interesting because the ships that they would take to Europe with the cargo—a lot of those were made here in Wilmington.”

The Wilmington Propeller Club hosted the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Wilmington.

Club president Erica Custis said the event gives families and friends a chance to reflect on the past.

“It means a lot to them to just gather and witness the ceremony,” Custis said.

“And taking time to really pause and honor the traditions that are, you know, decades in the making.”

ROTC students from Ashley High School raised the American flag during the ceremony. Wilmington police officers then passed a ceremonial wreath to the U.S. Coast Guard, who placed it in the river.

Jackson said events like this help keep history alive.

“It’s important not to forget what these people are doing. Yes, it’s not like being on the beach at D-Day—it’s different—but that’s all part of our history,” he said. “And if we quit supporting that history, you also quit supporting the present.”

Looking ahead to Memorial Day:
The Battleship North Carolina will host its 61st Memorial Day observance on Monday.
The free event begins at 10 a.m. and will take place on the ship’s fantail.