Wreath laying marks National Maritime Day

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Memorial Day is right around the corner, but today is National Maritime Day.

Local leaders met at Riverfront Park in Wilmington to celebrate the merchant mariners who have given their service and sometimes their lives for our country.

A ceremonial wreath laying in the Cape Fear River honored the fallen.

Afterward boats from many different agencies showed off for everyone on Riverwalk following the laying of the wreath.

“Without those mariners, who have served our country, we would not have our ports that are so vital to the economic development to the State of North Carolina,” NC Ports Authority Chair Tom Adams said.

Mayor Bill Saffo officially declared today as Maritime Day in Wilmington, as well as calling for the addition of the Merchant Mariners seal to be added to the Wilmington Veterans Memorial.