Organized Labor

All pictures by Don Lau
Combat Correspondent (Vietnam)

But shipping was another story. There was no miracle formula available to the shipbuilders, who were suddenly called on to provide transport and supplies for the Atlantic and now, also, for the huge Pacific. The government kept insisting on a miracle, however, and got it in the shape of a lumbering, undramatic tub called a "Liberty ship."
          – Alistair Cooke's America
                Alfred A. Knopf, 1974

The SS Jeremiah O’Brien, launched in 1943 and manned by union seamen, will celebrate National Maritime Day by cruising San Francisco Bay on Sunday, May 21, 2006.

She is a steaming memorial to the seamen of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served on Liberty ships in World War II, to their Navy gun crews, and to the civilian men and women who built the largest single class of ships in history: More than 2700 of these old-fashioned, homely, slow cargo vessels, that played such a vital, if unglamorous, role in winning World War II, were commissioned.

 May 22nd is National Maritime Day, first declared so by Congress in 1933. Its observance honors the contributions of the American Merchant Marine, civilians who have defended the freedom of the United States since 1775. During World War II, the merchant marine executed the largest sealift the world has ever known. Observance of National Maritime Day honors the maritime industry and the benefits in brings Americans in terms of transportation, jobs, goods, and recreational opportunities.

The National Liberty Ship Memorial, which maintains the O’Brien, honors our merchant seaman and their labor unions with a special commemorative six hour cruise departing from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 45 at 10:00 AM.

Upon boarding the vessel you will be treated to continental breakfast while enjoying live 1940’s era music. We will promptly undock at 10:00 A.M. to the band playing Anchors Aweigh and pass Alcatraz towards the Golden Gate Bridge. You will experience what it was like for our veterans to depart San Francisco during the War, heading towards the world’s war zones.

After we pass under the Golden Gate Bridge towards Bonita Cove, ceremonies will be held and wreaths presented honoring our veterans and seamen. The O’Brien will then head back under the Golden Gate while a delicious catered BBQ lunch is served. You will be able to enjoy the San Francisco skyline while we cruise to either historic Richmond, CA, where Henry Kaiser built the Liberty and Victory ships or at the Captain’s discretion, the Oakland estuary or Jack London Square.

The O’Brien will return to Pier 45 at approximately 4:00 -- 4:30 PM. Tickets are available by calling 415-544-0100 or visiting our website www.ssjeremiahobrien.org. You will be able to print out your ticket immediately from your home computer by going to the ETIX button on the cruises page.

Don’t miss this opportunity to honor our veterans and merchant marine seamen and cruise on this National Historic Landmark.