FROM THE VOYAGEURS OF THE PAST TO TODAY'S GLOBAL MARITIME COMMUNITY

HONOURING THE PAST • CELEBRATING THE PRESENT • INSPIRING THE FUTURE

OTTAWA, JULY 29, 2026 – The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP) invites members of the media, governments, diplomatic missions, veterans’ organizations, maritime leaders, Indigenous communities, community partners, and the public to participate in Merchant Navy Veterans Day 2026.

This year’s commemorations celebrate our shared maritime heritage—from the Voyageurs, who carried people, goods, knowledge, and culture across North America’s waterways, to the Canadian and Allied Merchant Navy, the American Merchant Marine, and today’s global maritime community, whose service continues to connect nations, sustain the global economy, deliver humanitarian assistance, and strengthen international security, defence, and cooperation.

Building on more than 35 years of leadership, the MNCTP continues to advance September 3 as a day that honours the past, celebrates the present, and inspires the future.

September 3 is officially recognized as Merchant Navy Day in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The MNCTP also recognizes the maritime observances of the United States, India, China, and other nations, together with the leadership of the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Guided by its motto, “We Leave No One Behind,” the MNCTP looks forward to working with governments, maritime partners, the United Nations, and the IMO toward a United Nations resolution recognizing September 3 as International Merchant Navy Day. This would enable all nations to express their appreciation for the historic and continuing contributions of merchant mariners and modern seafarers, while honouring the past, recognizing the present, and inspiring the future.

The MNCTP is a proud Associate Member Association of the Conference of Defence Associations.

2026 Commemorative Ceremonies

Thursday, September 3, 2026

• Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Ottawa, Sunday, September 13, 2026

• National War Memorial
• Ottawa, Ontario
• 11:00 a.m.

A reception will follow the Ottawa ceremony at a venue to be announced. Additional details will be provided in follow-up event reminders.

RSVP

Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

To allow for final coordination, attendeess are formally requested to arrive no later than 10:40am.