August 7 Is National Lighthouse Day
We here on the Chesapeake are lighthouse lovers, so today is a good one to get out on the water and keep the flame by visiting your favorite lighthouse.
On this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day.
Present Day…
Though National Lighthouse Day is celebrated annually by lighthouse organizations nationwide, Congress has yet to designate August 7 as the date our country officially recognizes in perpetuity the importance of America’s lighthouse heritage.
The original resolution was enacted by Congress in commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse – thus August 7, 1989 was designated as National Lighthouse Day, but only for that year.
Twenty-four years later, a Senate Resolution was passed in 2013 that declared August 7, 2013 as National Lighthouse and Lighthouse Preservation Day, but similar to 1989, the recognition was only for that particular year.
Over the past couple of decades, lighthouse leaders from around the country have worked tirelessly to convince Congress to permanently designate August 7 as National Lighthouse Day on America’s calendar, and though unsuccessful to date, those noble efforts continue.
However, even without official recognition from Congress, the nationwide lighthouse community continues to “keep the flame” of our rich lighthouse heritage burning bright. Each year, August 7 is celebrated as National Lighthouse Day, with lighthouse groups offering the general public a host of fun-learning activities to enjoy – including tours, cruises and presentations that pay special tribute to America’s lighthouses and their grand history.
The American Lighthouse Foundation’s mission is to save and preserve our nation’s historic light stations and their rich heritage.
This will be accomplished through the restoration, promotion and adaptive re-use of America’s historic light stations, as well as educational initiatives that foster the sustainable preservation of lighthouses and perpetuate the legacy of the men and women who have tended them.
Learn more about ALF here. ... Learn about the Chesapeake Chapter of the National Lighthouse Society here
