Statement of Commissioner Louis E. Sola: Celebrating Maritime Day 2021

Every year on May 22^nd, we celebrate National Maritime Day.  This year, it is particularly appropriate to pause and reflect on the contributions Merchant Mariners and the U.S. flag fleet make to the security of the Nation and our economy.  Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, more Americans than ever before have been made aware of how reliant they are on the ocean freight delivery system for so many of the wants and needs that are a part of their lives.  We owe a debt of gratitude to not only mariners, but to all those who have a critical role in delivering cargo that moves by ocean to stores and our homes.  We should also think of the mariners of all nations who serve aboard all the world’s merchant vessels and recognize the sacrifices they have made in continuing to work, and in many cases, not even being able to enjoy the relief of a crew change.  The role Merchant Mariners play in making the global economy function is worthy of commendation and our gratitude.

Louis E. Sola is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.