Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission to Recognize National Maritime Day

May 22, 2024

Shreveport, La/Bossier City, La. – The Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission has joined other local government agencies to mark National Maritime Day on May 22, 2024. The commission passed a resolution at its May meeting marking the day. The four governmental agencies that make up the Port Commission offered similar resolutions and proclamations. They include the Bossier City Council, the Bossier Parish Police Jury, the Caddo Parish Commission, and the Shreveport City Council.

Congress officially created the holiday in 1933. National Maritime Day is observed on May 22 because of its historical significance to the maritime industry. On that day in 1819, the steamship Savannah set sail from Savannah, Georgia on the first-ever transatlantic trip. It also honors the maritime industry and its importance in our daily lives.

“The maritime industry is an important part of our history in Northwest Louisiana and continues to play a vital role in our local economy,” said Port Commission President Bill Altimus. “As this area grew, goods were transported up and down the Red River. The only difference today is the type of goods being moved and the vessels transporting them along the river.”

The holiday also honors the Merchant Marine. It transports cargo and passengers during peacetime, but during war can be used by the U.S. Navy to deliver military personnel and materials.

In observance of National Maritime Day, maritime flags are flown on the yardarm flagpole at the Regional Commerce Center, located at 6000 Doug Attaway Boulevard at The Port.

The 4,000-acre Port of Caddo-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.

Port of Caddo-Bossier: Kathy French / Port of Caddo Bossier / 318.524.2256 / KathyF@Portcb.com

Media Contact: Ed Walsh/ Romph & Pou Agency / 318.424.2676 x345 / ewalsh@rpagency.com