Today Special : Titanic Remembrance Day
Titanic Remembrance Day is observed every year on April 15. Did you know that the R.M.S. Titanic ship had four hull compartments that could be flooded without causing a critical loss of buoyancy, and was, thus, considered unsinkable? The day is set aside to remember the victims and survivors of the unfortunate sinking of the ship and reflect on how the world jointly responded to a heartbreaking disaster.
HISTORY OF TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY
The Titanic was designed by naval architect Thomas Andrews and constructed by the Belfast shipbuilders Harland and Wolff. Upon completion, it was thought to be the world’s fastest ship. It spanned 883 feet from stern to bow, and its hull was divided into 16 compartments that were presumed to be watertight. It was one of the largest and most luxurious ocean liners built during the time.
On April 10, it departed Southampton, England, on its maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. However, just before midnight on April 14, it failed to divert its course from an iceberg and ruptured at least five of its hull compartments, causing water to fill them and ultimately leading to the sinking of the ship after it broke in half.
Because of a shortage of lifeboats and the lack of satisfactory emergency procedures, more than 1,500 people went down in the sinking ship or froze to death in the icy North Atlantic waters. Most of the 700 or so survivors were women and children. A number of notable American and British citizens died in the tragedy, including the noted British journalist William Thomas Stead and heirs to the Straus, Astor, and Guggenheim fortunes.
The survivors lost everything they had on board and were helped by the public and charities all over the world. Several Women’s relief committees helped women in providing clothes, and several private trains took up the duty of transporting the survivors to their close families, free of charge.
HOW TO OBSERVE TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY
- Watch a Titanic-related movie or documentary : Learn more about the events that transpired and watch films created about it such as “Waking the Titanic” by Francis Delany and “A Night to Remember” by Walter Lord.
- Reach out to relatives of victims and survivors : Do you know any living family members of any of those who were on board the Titanic that fateful night? Take out some time on this day to interact with them, and they’ll surely appreciate it.
- Visit a Titanic-themed museum : This is a perfect day to pay a visit with friends and/or family to the Titanic Museum Attraction located in Missouri, or the one in Tennessee. It will indeed be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.
5 FACTS ABOUT THE R.M.S. TITANIC THAT WILL ASTONISH YOU
- The largest ship of its time : Titanic was the largest ocean liner in service at the time, and could carry 3,547 people in speed and comfort.
- It had the biggest engines : Her reciprocating engines were the largest that had ever been built, standing 40 feet high, and with cylinders that were nine feet in diameter.
- It had the best captains : The ship was commanded by the most senior of the White Star Line’s captains — 62-year-old Captain Edward Smith — who had four decades of seafaring experience.
- Its first-class compartment provided absolute luxury : The liner was designed to be the pinnacle of comfort and luxury, with a gymnasium, swimming pool, libraries, high-class restaurants, and opulent cabins.
- It was involved in mail service : The R.M.S. Titanic was officially responsible for delivering mail for the British Postal Service
WHY TITANIC REMEMBRANCE DAY IS IMPORTANT
- It unites us in common purpose : Just like the world rallied support around the victims of the Titanic disaster, people across the globe remember this day to honor their memories. The day makes such possible and encourages unity for other collective doings.
- It provides an avenue for connection : Through the activities of the day, we get to meet and interact with new people having shared interests and curiosity. There’s no telling how beneficial the new-formed connections will be.
- It strengthens history : For an event that happened over a century ago, this day helps reinforce our historical values. It continues to honor the memories of those long gone, and preserve the past.
