Assembly Resolution No. 613

BY: M. of A. O'Pharrow

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 22, 2025, as Maritime Day in the State of New
York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Maritime Day

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2025, as Maritime Day in the
State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Maritime Day; and

WHEREAS, On May 22, 1819, the steamship, The Savannah, set sail from
Savannah, Georgia, on the first successful transoceanic voyage under
steam propulsion, thus making a material contribution to the advancement
of oceanic transportation; and

WHEREAS, On May 20, 1933, the United States Congress designated May
22nd of each year as National Maritime Day; and

WHEREAS, During World War II, in what became the world's largest
sealift operation, more than 250,000 members of the American Merchant
Marines served their country, with over 6,700 losing their lives,
hundreds being detained as prisoners of war, and more than 800 ships
being sunk or damaged; and

WHEREAS, Waterways have greatly contributed to expanding America's
economy, developing cities near waterways and facilitating vast domestic
and international commerce crucial to our economy today; and

WHEREAS, Merchant Mariners have served America with distinction
throughout our history, especially at critical moments of war and
natural disaster; and

WHEREAS, The United States Merchant Marines and other workers in our
Nation's maritime industry continue to make immeasurable contributions
to our economic strength and ongoing efforts to build a more peaceful
world; and

WHEREAS, The United States Merchant Marines also shepherd the safe
passage of goods, move exports to customers around the world, support
the flow of domestic commerce on our maritime highways, strengthen our
Nation's and State's economies, bolster job creation, and, along with
the transportation industry, employ New Yorkers on ships and tugboats
and in ports; and

WHEREAS, The State of New York wishes to honor the Merchant Mariners
who have served and continue to serve with distinction, the entire
maritime industry, and all those who support them; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pauses in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 22, 2025, as Maritime
Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Maritime Day; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.