Honoring the Maritime Person and Port Person of the Year, memorializing those who have lost their lives in maritime service, presenting two scholarships to local youth, and making a special presentation to a long-time member.
The International Propeller Club – Port of Paducah marks May 20, 2023, for this year’s Maritime Day Ceremony and Merchant Mariner Memorial.
Chartered on May 6, 1946, this organization supports and promotes the maritime industry and its allied industries across all ports and waterways of the United States. Locally, the Paducah Club serves the four rivers region and has 125 members representing 68 associated businesses.
This year, the Club will recognize Kentucky’s State Representative Randy Bridges as Maritime Person of the Year. Rep. Bridges is a stalwart supporter of the river industry who has taken the time to get to know local leaders of the marine industry and to learn the importance of how the industry impacts Kentucky and the nation. Rep. Bridges serves Kentucky’s District 3 comprised of Livingston County and part of McCracken County. His understanding and support of the marine industry was most recently displayed by his key sponsorship of House Concurrent Resolution 5, a resolution supporting the Jones Act and commemorating its centennial anniversary.
Caleb King will be recognized as our Port Person of the Year. Mr. King is a long-time member of the club and has served on the board for several years, including vice president for 2 years and president for 5 years. His diligent leadership of the club has been highlighted by financial support to local Navy Sea Scouts, recognizing Gov. Matt Bevin as Maritime Person of the Year, securing Congressman James Comer as a keynote speaker for a membership meeting, raising money to support disaster relief, and recently served as a driving force to achieve the Jones Act resolution in Kentucky.
The Club will also present a lifetime achievement recognition to Mr. Bob Day. Mr. Day is retired from the marine industry and has been a staple to our organization 61 years. He has served in various leadership positions and continues on the board of directors today.
The Club is happy to continue our scholarship program, and this year’s recipients are Breece Mohon
(Mayfield High School) and Zakary Morgan (McCracken County High School). Each will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Scholarships are funded through hole sponsorships at the Club’s annual golf outing.
The final segment of the ceremony will be the Merchant Mariner Memorial. During this time, we will reflect upon and remember merchant mariners who lost their lives in service to the country and to the marine industry.
The Maritime Day proceedings will begin at 9:00 A.M. (Central) with social time (coffee and pastries
provided) and the ceremony beginning at 9:30. The ceremony will be held at the Seamen’s Church
Institute – Center for Maritime Education, 129 South Water Street, Paducah, Kentucky.