By Terrence Fox, Senior Correspondent
On May 22, 2025, the Port of Galveston kicked off its bicentennial year with a vibrant National Maritime Day event. The celebration featured a ceremony led by retired Colonel Michael E. Fossum, stirring performances by a student choir, and exclusive tours of maritime vessels, including a U.S. Coast Guard cutter. This milestone event underscored the port’s pivotal role in American maritime history and its ongoing influence on the nation’s economy and security.
Honoring 200 Years of Maritime Excellence
National Maritime Day, established by Congress in 1933, pays tribute to the hardworking men and women of the maritime industry, including merchant marines who have long supported U.S. commerce and defense. The Port of Galveston, founded in 1825 under the Mexican Congress and managed by Galveston Wharves since 1940, has proudly observed this day for over 15 years. This year’s bicentennial celebration was an expansive event designed to educate and engage the public about the port’s history and future.
Retired Colonel Michael E. Fossum, a decorated astronaut and Navy officer, opened the ceremony with remarks highlighting the port’s century-spanning contributions to national security and trade. “For two hundred years, Galveston has been a gateway not only to Texas but to the world, supporting our economy and safeguarding our shores,” Fossum said.
Immersive Maritime Experience for All Ages
The event featured a range of interactive exhibits and informational booths aimed at promoting maritime careers to younger generations. Students and families explored opportunities from port operations to naval service, reflecting the broad spectrum of jobs tied to the maritime sector.
Visitors had rare access to several vessels, including the Port Police response boat, training ships, and notably, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter docked at Pier 21. Attendees toured the cutter, witnessing firsthand the operational capabilities of the Coast Guard in protecting American waters.
Maria Lopez, a high school senior from Galveston, shared her excitement: “Getting to board the Coast Guard cutter and talk to the officers opened my eyes to a whole new career path I hadn’t considered before.”
Port of Galveston: A Strategic Maritime Hub
Throughout its 200-year history, the Port of Galveston has evolved into a crucial economic engine for Texas and the broader Gulf Coast. It supports international trade, cruise tourism, and military operations, making it a multifaceted maritime hub.
The port’s leadership emphasized ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology to enhance capacity and environmental sustainability. This aligns with national goals to strengthen U.S. ports amid rising global trade demands.
Port Director Samantha Reid remarked, “As we celebrate our bicentennial, we look forward to continuing to innovate and expand, ensuring Galveston remains a vital maritime gateway well into the future.”
Looking Ahead: Maritime Careers and Community Impact
The bicentennial celebrations are not only a tribute to the past but a springboard for the future. The port’s outreach efforts during the event highlighted the growing need for skilled workers in shipping, logistics, environmental management, and maritime security.
By fostering awareness and education, the Port of Galveston aims to build a pipeline of talent to sustain its legacy and support the local economy.
Summary of Event Highlights
-
Ceremony featuring retired Colonel Michael E. Fossum and student choir performance
-
Tours of U.S. Coast Guard cutter and Port Police vessels
-
Interactive exhibits showcasing maritime careers and industry innovations
-
Celebration of the port’s 200 years of economic and security contributions
-
Community engagement focused on education and future workforce development