Cape May – Lewes Ferry Hosts Maritime Day Celebration at the Lewes Terminal - Features Remembrance Ceremony; Vessel Tours at Free Public Event

(Lewes, DE)  Experience and celebrate maritime history and its impact on the Delaware Bay region at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s third annual Maritime Day celebration atCape May-Lewes Ferry’s third annual Maritime Day celebration at the Lewes Ferry Terminal on Saturday, May 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   Lewes, Delaware – known as the First Town in the First State, enjoys a heritage that is rich in both maritime history and maritime interests today.  The celebration – complete with activities and events, displays, and vessel tours – is free and the public is welcome

“We planned a great day of activities and tours to celebrate the merchant marine profession and to promote our area’s rich maritime history,” said Nikky Fisher, Lewes Terminal Manager for the Ferry.  “This celebration is also an opportunity to learn about the U.S. Merchant Marine and its service in foreign and domestic trades, historic support of the Nation’s military, and the many careers it offers.  They have done so much for our country and the event’s a great opportunity to celebrate their service.”

The event will be held rain or shine.  The 2014 Maritime Day Festival schedule of activities at the Lewes Ferry Terminal are:

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.     Information Booths & Nautical Displays

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.     Vessel Tours

11:00 a.m. Maritime History Talk on German U-Boat Surrender on 5/14/45.     

12 noon    Lewes Fire Boat Water Cannon Display

 1:00 p.m.   Wreath Laying Ceremony at Unknown Sailors' Cemetery

A remembrance ceremony to honor sailors who perished on the Lewes beaches will take place at 1:00 p.m.  As part of this ceremony, representatives of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association, Delaware Shore Chapter and the Pilots Association for Bay and River Delaware will lay a wreath at the Unknown Sailors’ Cemetery at the Lewes Terminal.

For New Jersey visitors who want to attend the Festival, simply take a departure from Cape May as a foot passenger and spend a great day at the Lewes Terminal learning about Maritime history. After parking your vehicle free in the Cape May Terminal lot, board the 9:30 a.m. departure for Lewes, Delaware.  “You’ll have plenty of time to tour maritime vessels, survey the exhibits, and lunch outside on the boardwalk – enjoying great water front views and food at our bar & grill, On the Rocks,” said Rhona Bronson, Director of Marketing for the Ferry.  “Then, catch the 2:45 or 4:15 boat back from Lewes and you’ll be home in time for dinner!”  A special Maritime Day rate for New Jersey visitors has been created to encourage visitors to experience the day’s activities.   Call 1-800-643-3779 for details.

Various maritime participants will have booths inside the terminal, glass skywalk, and (weather-dependent) on the boardwalk behind the terminal.  A CMLF vessel will be open for public tours of the engine room and bridge.  Other vessels will be available for viewing at the adjacent finger pier. Some of the day’s exhibitors include the Lewes Historical Society, Lightship Overfalls Foundation, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, Fort Miles, Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, University of Delaware, Zwaanendael Museum, Lewes Fire Department, The Lighthouse Foundation, Bower Maritime Museum, Delaware Bay and River Cooperative, the Pilots’ Association for the Bay and River Delaware, Nanticoke River Power squadron, Sea Scout, and Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay.

National Maritime Day is observed on May 22, the date that the American steamship Savannah sailed from the United States to England. This event marked the first successful crossing of the Atlantic Ocean using steam propulsion.  In 1933, the United States Congress declared May 22 as National Maritime Day.  The designation honors the contributions of the American merchant marine – civilians who have defended the freedom of the United States since 1775 and who executed the largest sealift the world has ever known during World War II.  Observance of National Maritime Day also honors the maritime industry and the benefits it brings Americans in terms of transportation, jobs, goods, and recreational opportunities.  Local events are held throughout the nation on or around the actual date of observance with most occurring on weekends to encourage greater participation.  

About the Cape May-Lewes Ferry

The Cape May – Lewes Ferry is owned and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962.  The Ferry is open year-round and has carried more than 43 million passengers since its inception on July 1, 1964. In 2013, the ferry service, which connects Victorian Cape May, New Jersey, and historic Lewes, Delaware, transported approximately 275,000 vehicles and nearly 1 million passengers.  For schedule, rates and other program information, please visit the ferry’s website at www.CMLF.com, or call toll free, 800-643-3779.  Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CMLFerry.