Vicksburg recognizes National Maritime Day

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — In recognition of National Maritime Day 2026, three separate resolutions and proclamations were passed this month highlighting the importance of the maritime industry and recognizing We Work the Waterways (WWW) for its contributions to maritime education and workforce development.

Resolutions recognizing National Maritime Day and We Work the Waterways were officially adopted by Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana on May 14, the City of Vicksburg, Mississippi on May 18, and the Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA) on May 21.

Observed annually on May 22, National Maritime Day recognizes the vital role the maritime industry plays in the nation’s economy, commerce, transportation network, and national security. The resolutions also emphasize the importance of expanding awareness of maritime careers and workforce pathways within communities across the country.

“These recognitions are incredibly meaningful to everyone involved with We Work the Waterways because they reflect growing national support for maritime education and workforce awareness,” said Errin Howard. “To see local leaders and organizations include the work being done by We Work the Waterways within National Maritime Day resolutions is truly an honor. National Maritime Day is about celebrating the people and industry that keep our waterways moving, and we are proud to help inspire the next generation of maritime professionals.”

We Work the Waterways is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of maritime careers and workforce opportunities through educational programming, hands-on events, industry partnerships, and community engagement initiatives throughout the United States.

Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana

On May 14, Plaquemines Parish officially recognized National Maritime Day and honored We Work the Waterways for its work promoting maritime awareness and workforce development within the region.

We Work the Waterways has partnered closely with Plaquemines Parish Schools along with Plaquemines Parish Economic Development and Tourism to host annual Maritime Interaction Days that connect students directly with maritime professionals, companies, and hands-on career exploration opportunities.

The 2025-2026 Plaquemines Parish Maritime Interaction Day was the organization’s largest regularly scheduled Interaction Day of the year based on the number of participating stations and industry partners involved.

As one of the nation’s most important maritime and port regions,
Plaquemines Parish plays a critical role in supporting commerce, logistics, transportation, and workforce opportunities connected to America’s waterways.

Vicksburg, Mississippi

The City of Vicksburg officially passed its National Maritime Day resolution on May 18, recognizing both the importance of the maritime industry and We Work the Waterways’ long-standing partnership within the community.

For the past 10 years, We Work the Waterways has hosted Maritime Interaction Days in the Vicksburg region, connecting students with careers related to inland waterways, transportation, logistics, skilled trades, and maritime operations.

Earlier this spring, Vicksburg also served as the home of the organization’s first-ever “WWW: Bridge to the Future Walks,” an initiative designed to introduce elementary students to the importance of waterways, transportation infrastructure, and future career pathways through hands-on community experiences.

Located along the Mississippi River, Vicksburg has deep historical and economic ties to the maritime industry and inland waterway transportation system.

Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA)

On May 21, the Central Ohio River Business Association (CORBA) adopted a formal resolution recognizing National Maritime Day and commending We Work the Waterways for its leadership in maritime education, workforce development, and industry awareness.

In the resolution, CORBA acknowledged the importance of the maritime industry throughout the Ohio River region and recognized We Work the Waterways for helping connect students, educators, industry leaders, and communities to maritime career opportunities.

We Work the Waterways has partnered throughout the Ohio River region for many years, including hosting Maritime Interaction Days in Cincinnati and recently expanding programming into Portsmouth, Ohio with the organization’s first Maritime Interaction Day there this spring.

CORBA has remained a strong supporter of efforts to raise awareness of maritime careers and the importance of the Ohio River system to regional commerce, transportation, and economic development.

Together, the three recognitions reflect increasing momentum surrounding maritime workforce awareness and the importance of introducing students and communities to the wide range of careers supported by America’s waterways.

About We Work the Waterways

We Work the Waterways is a national nonprofit organization dedicated
to increasing awareness of maritime careers and workforce
opportunities through educational programming, industry
partnerships, and community engagement. Through hands-on
experiences and career pathway initiatives, We Work the Waterways connects students, educators, and communities to the maritime industry and the vital role waterways play in everyday life.

For additional information, contact Errin Howard at 513-403-9312 or visit www.weworkthewaterways.org.