As America celebrates 250 years as a country, Texas A&M University Maritime Academy Cadets have a front row seat to History
The Cadets are anchored in New York harbor for the largest gathering of ships in 50 years.
On July 4, 1776, a group of representatives from across the 13 colonies gathered in Philadelphia, PA to put quill to paper and declare their independence from Great Britain.
Penned by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence opens with the following phrase, “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The Declaration fueled the American Revolution, which in turn led to the United States of America becoming an independent country. As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary of declaring its independence from England, Texas A&M Maritime Academy cadets are honoring the role that naval forces played in securing victory.
Texas A&M University Maritime Academy cadets, along with cadets from Maine Maritime Academy, have a front row seat to history as they drop anchor aboard the STATE OF MAINE north of Ellis Island on July 3 ahead of the SAIL250 event commemorating America’s 250th birthday.
The cadets are currently in the final days of Summer Sea Term where they gain hands-on experience in vessel operations in various maritime environments. The current Summer Sea Term which began on May 23 in Galveston, will conclude on July 16 in Castine, Maine.
“As our cadets complete the inaugural Summer Sea Term aboard STATE OF MAINE, they will have the rare privilege of witnessing one of the largest maritime celebrations in our nation’s history from the heart of New York Harbor. Experiences like SAIL250 reinforce the importance of our maritime heritage while inspiring the next generation of leaders who will serve America’s maritime industry,” said Craig Johnson, President, Maine Maritime Academy.
From their anchorage off Jersey City, cadets from the two Maritime Academies will have the opportunity to see 60 United States and International Naval Ships and over 30 tall ships within view of the Statue of Liberty. SAIL250 represents the largest gathering of naval and tall ships since the United States Bicentennial in 1976.
“Standing on the deck of a brand-new ship, representing the future of the American Merchant Marine while looking out at a horizon filled with the world’s tall ships, is truly inspiring,” said Capt. Allan F. Post, Assistant Vice President and Deputy Superintendent at Texas A&M Maritime Academy. “Sailing past the Statue of Liberty on the Fourth of July for SAIL250 isn’t just a training cruise—it’s a front-row seat to history, honoring 250 years of a maritime nation while stepping boldly into our own future.”
Shortly after the conclusion of the Summer Sea Term, on July 17, Texas A&M University Maritime Academy’s new ship the LONE STAR STATE will be christened at the Philly Shipyard which sits 6.2 miles away from Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. From witnessing history, to preparing to make history on a new vessel, the Texas A&M University Maritime Academy has plotted a course to be a force for good for the next 250 years and beyond.
