U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for May 22

WASHINGTON, May 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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TUESDAY, MAY 22: NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

Profile America — Tuesday, May 22nd.  This is National Maritime Day, noted annually by presidential proclamation.  The date chosen celebrates the day in 1819 when the SS Savannah completed the first transatlantic crossing by a steam ship.  The first Maritime Day was created by Congress in 1933 to honor the U.S. Merchant Marine, civilians who have defended the freedom of America since 1775. Their exploits include the largest sealift the world has even known during World War II.  More than 2.2 billion tons of commerce arrive and leave the U.S. each year.  Los Angeles handles more container cargo than any other port in the U.S.  You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2012, p. 277
Maritime Administration
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 1085, 1087

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau