In recognition of the vital role that our merchants and seamen play in Key West’s history, culture and economy, Mayor Craig Cates proclaimed May 22^nd Maritime Day during this week’s City Commission meeting.

In times of war and peace, the American Merchant Marine has been dedicated to the orderly flow of goods and materials to and from the shores of our nation.

May 22^nd marks the anniversary of the day the S.S. Savannah sailed from U.S. shores in 1819 to Liverpool on the first successful crossing of the Atlantic by a ship using steam propulsion.

Rom Demes, Executive Business Director for the Naval Air Station Key West and member of the Propeller Club, accepted the proclamation from Mayor pro tem Mark Rossi.

“I cannot think of a better city in which to remember the maritime industry,” he said. I thank you all for this recognitions, and, hey take a mariner to lunch on Friday!”