San Diego Marifest Salutes Vets
Produced by non-profit Coordinated Maritime Services, San Diego MariFest 2003 – Celebrating San Diego’s Proud Maritime Heritage and a Tribute to the Working Waterfront - plans to honor Korean War Veterans during the multi-day event, celebrating Memorial Day and National Maritime Day. San Diego MariFest 2003 events on The Big Bay include Propeller Club Maritime Day Luncheon, Tugboat and Workboat Parade, Wreath Laying Ceremony, Maritime Career Expo/ Symposium, Information Center, Maritime Education Workshops, A Taste of the Waterfront and 4th Annual Maritime Heritage Dance. Again this year, the SS Lane Victory will visit San Diego for MariFest. A special tribute for Korean War Veterans will be held aboard the SS Lane Victory on Monday. Asian Cultural Exhibits are an added feature this year. During MariFest , partner AARP will obtain oral histories of Korean War and World War II veterans for the Library of Congress. CMS Maritime Services’ students will participate and be trained by AARP volunteers to continue with the oral history project and collect the fascinating memories and anecdotes of America’s veterans. Through education, training programs and community projects, non-profit Coordinated Maritime Services preserves and promotes maritime traditions, history, and maritime career exploration. CMS has developed a comprehensive training program of maritime educational curriculum approved by the State of California as a certified ROP course. In conjunction with the classroom, the Donated Vessel Restoration Community Project provides effects based education with hands-on approach and on-the-job training. Real time application with apprenticeships and internships are provided aboard CMS school ships presently undergoing restoration; a 43-foot wooden sailboat and Korean War era Army tugboat (LT 1967) built in 1952. Research has demonstrated community need in the following areas: employable adults in transition, at risk young people ages 16 and up, emancipated foster youth, and high school to community college students in San Diego County.An alliance has been created with the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation to provide maritime career and vocational training to foster teens. Other strategic partners are St. Vincent de Paul, AARP, United States Army, The Propeller Club, Foss Maritime, Navy League, Pacific Tugboat Service, South Bay Boat Yard, Team Reprographics, Port of San Diego, and the San Diego Maritime Museum.