⚓ Port Chicago Remembrance Day is an official day of recognition honoring the lives lost in the 1944 Port Chicago disaster and the legacy of the surviving Sailors whose protest helped advance progress toward greater justice and equality in the U.S. Navy.

The observance was launched by the Port Chicago Alliance as part of its statewide effort to ensure the history and lessons of Port Chicago, California, are formally recognized and preserved. The initiative is advanced through partnerships with cities and elected officials, which adopt official proclamations designating July 17 as Port Chicago Remembrance Day.

The importance of this observance was underscored on July 17, 2024, when the U.S. Navy announced the historic exoneration of the Port Chicago Sailors. The decision was issued on the very first Port Chicago Remembrance Day, exactly 80 years after the disaster, marking a profound moment of remembrance, reflection, and long-awaited justice.

To date, 27 cities across California have formally recognized the day, reflecting growing public awareness and institutional acknowledgement of the Port Chicago Sailors’ legacy. The continued expansion of these recognitions supports PCA’s broader mission to preserve history, honor the Sailors, and educate future generations about the lasting impact of Port Chicago on civil rights, labor rights, and military equity. ⚑