News & Events

CADDO-BOSSIER PORT COMMISSION JOINS PRESIDENT IN PROCLAIMING MAY 22, 2012 NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

In observance of National Maritime Day, the Port will once again fly its Maritime flags on the yardarm flagpole at the Regional Commerce Center. "Through this special recognition, the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission hopes to increase awareness of the maritime industry within Caddo and Bossier Parishes. As our own Port of Caddo-Bossier demonstrates each month, our waterways enable much of the commerce that has expanded our local, state and nation's economy," according to Erica Bryant, President Caddo-Bossier Port Commission.

On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our freedom. The United States Merchant Marine has met our country's economic and security needs, in wartime and in peace. May 22 is National Maritime Day each year in the United States. This day reflects the gratitude that Americans have for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country. It also recognizes ships and seafarers who have held a special place in the nation's history. This day pays special tribute to the benefits that the maritime industry provides for the United States, as well as people who served as merchant mariners in service to their country.

According to Commissioner, Capt. Thomas F. Murphy, "Historically, the waterways are what prompted cities to grow. The nation's waterways facilitated vast domestic and international commerce which continues to be vital to our state's and nation's economy today. The United States Merchant Marine

Continued

Port of Caddo-Bossier
Page 2
May 17, 2012

also shepherds the safe passage of American goods, moves exports to customers around the world, supports the flow of domestic commerce on our maritime highways, strengthens our Nation's economy, bolsters job creation and, along with the transportation industry, employs Americans on ships and tugs, and in ports, like our own Port of Caddo-Bossier."

National Maritime Day
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 ocean transportation. On May 20, 1933, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled and approved that May 22 of each year shall be designated and known as National Maritime Day.

May 22 reflects the gratitude that Americans have for the maritime industry and the benefits it brings to the country. It also recognizes ships and seafarers who have held a special place in the nation's history. The day pays special tribute to the benefits that the maritime industry provides for the United States, as well as people who served as merchant mariners in service to their country.

The 2,500-acre Port of Shreveport-Bossier is located at the head of navigation on the Red River Waterway in Northwest Louisiana. An inland multi-modal transportation and distribution center, The Port works hand in hand with the port system of Louisiana to successfully link customers throughout the Ark-La-Tex region to domestic and international markets via the Mississippi River, the nation's largest river system, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Released by: Peyton Dufour/ Gremillion & Pou and Associates, Inc. / 318.424.2676 x330 pdufour@gpmarketinginc.com