Paying Tribute to our Mariners on the Day of the Seafarer
June 25, 2021: On the last day of the Heroes at Sea Tribute, Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Chairman of the Heroes at Sea Organizing Committee, calls upon all to join in efforts to finish the circumnavigation of the globe in honor of all seafarers. The month-long tribute will ends today, June 25th, the International Maritime Organization’s annual Day of the Seafarer; a day dedicated to recognizing the sacrifices and hard work that seafarers across the globe continuously make.
Heroes at Sea was created last year to raise awareness about the role of the mariner, and to pay tribute to seafarers around the world. Through walking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming, participants more than doubled the goal of “circumnavigating” the globe in solidarity with the mariners, raising nearly $50,000 that was distributed to seafarer welfare centers. With only two days left to complete this year’s circumnavigation, we ask everyone to join in our efforts to pay tribute whether that be through a mile of walking or an hour of swimming, all efforts count as we reach the end of our circumnavigation. The donations will be directly given to mariner seafarer wellness center, with the knowledge that seafarers have unequivocally suffered due to COVID-19.
“Mariners today are required to work beyond their contracts due to the challenges presented by COVID-19 in effecting crew changes,” stated Walker. “By participating in the Heroes at Sea Day of the Seafarer initiative, people from all elements of global society can join together to pay tribute to their efforts and let them know we value their service to global trade.”
Individuals from across the globe have been engaging in many activities to prove to seafarers that they understand, and appreciate, the hard work and energy that they put in daily. Whether that meant they were walking, jogging, swimming or doing cross fit, with over 4,000 hours of activity submitted participants have proven their dedication to seafarers. Participants also sent in letters, photos and video tributes for seafarers to enjoy. The video featured below showcases a few of the many tributes that were submitted.
COVID-19 has resulted in the majority of ships’ crew being required to stay on board vessels beyond their normal contracts, or unable to join their ships and, therefore, not able to provide for their families. As COVID-19 required the world to remain home, seafarers continued to risk their health and mental well-being so that shipping could continue as the engine of global trade.
As the challenges for seafarers remain, we continue to salute our Heroes at Sea with the iconic “Walk, Jog, Cycle and Swim”. The event comes to an end today, June 25th, in honor of the Day of the Seafarer. REGISTRATION is open, with all net fees and sponsorships going to both global and local mariner welfare programs.
To register as a participant for the “Heroes at Sea” program go to Registration | HEROES at Sea. For corporate level participation and sponsorship, there are Diamond (US$10,000 and above), Gold (US$5,000), Silver (US$2,500) and Bronze (US$1,000) levels. A Gratitude plaque, medal and certificate will be presented to sponsoring companies and all participants will each receive an e-Certificate. Your organization’s logo will be displayed on our dedicated website with your corporate message. Alternatively, companies may make a one-time donation of any amount. For more information on sponsorships, contact l.harris@namepa.net . To learn more about this initiative, go to Heroes at Sea- Day of the Seafarer Initiative.
To learn more about this initiative, go to Heroes at Sea- Day of the Seafarer Initiative.
