Presidential Documents

28639

Federal Register

Vol. 66, No. 101

Thursday, May 24, 2001

Title 3—

The President

Proclamation 7442 of May 18, 2001

National Maritime Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our history, America’s economic prosperity has been closely

tied to its maritime geography. From indigenous peoples navigating our

majestic rivers to colonists settling along the New World’s eastern shores,

natives and immigrants alike have relied on the sea and our bountiful

inland waterways for commerce and security.

In colonial days and in the 19th century, America’s maritime industries

facilitated the exchange of goods and the migration of pioneers. During

World War II, some 6,000 American seafarers and more than 700 U.S.

merchant ships fell to enemy action, many in the infamous Run to Murmansk.

No branch of our Armed Forces, save the Marine Corps, suffered a higher

casualty rate. Today, our Merchant Marine continues this proud tradition.

As recently as the Persian Gulf War and during humanitarian and military

operations since, a unique partnership of Government, industry, and labor

has continued its vital maritime service to our Nation. Many civilian merchant mariners crew the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force,

which is observing its 25th anniversary.

Today, the U.S. maritime fleet has decreased in the number of vessels

in the international trades, but it transports goods more efficiently and

economically than ever before. These U.S. ships deliver a billion tons of

imports and exports each year in our foreign trade and another billion

tons of waterborne domestic trade. Many merchant seafarers are trained

at outstanding institutions such as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at

Kings Point, New York, the six State maritime academies, and several union

and industry training facilities.

To help ensure continued competitiveness, we must tailor our maritime

policy to the challenges of the 21st century. America’s Marine Transportation

System will help determine our long-term economic health and improve

our ability to respond quickly and effectively in crisis. Within the next

2 decades, cargo will double. Accordingly, my Administration is working

with Government agencies, the maritime industry, shippers, labor unions,

and environmental groups to ensure that our waterways continue to serve

as a sound transportation option in the face of ever-growing congestion

on highways and rail lines.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress,

by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, has designated May 22

of each year as ‘‘National Maritime Day’’ and has authorized and requested

that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate

observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States

of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution

and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2001, as National

Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to celebrate

this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes

and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing under the

American flag dress ship on that day.

28640 Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 101 / Thursday, May 24, 2001 / Presidential Documents

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day

of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence

of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

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