Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2022 / Presidential Documents 31705 

Proclamation 10401 of May 20, 2022 

National Maritime Day, 2022 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

From sea to shining sea, whether in still or raging waters, America has 

always been a Nation of maritime travel. Across our 25,000 miles of waterways and over 360 commercial ports, the United States Merchant Marine 

is integral to our Nation’s prosperity. From helping move goods throughout 

the supply chain to supporting our troops wherever they are deployed, 

the Merchant Marine plays a vital role in the economic security and defense 

of our country. On National Maritime Day and every day, we honor the 

Merchant Marines for their service and sacrifice and acknowledge their 

crucial role in protecting our Nation’s security and commerce. 

Today, our Merchant Marine remains inextricably linked to our national 

and economic security and competitiveness. Merchant mariners’ legacy of 

perseverance and dedication is carried on by today’s civilian mariners. As 

tyranny and violence again cause the tragic loss of innocent lives and 

senseless destruction in Europe, our merchant mariners have answered the 

call of duty by crewing vessels of our United States Ready Reserve, moving 

vital military cargo to help the Ukrainian people in their defense of freedom. 

We also salute the remarkable efforts of our entire maritime industry throughout the COVID–19 pandemic. They put the well-being of the American 

people first, risking their lives to ensure that essential cargoes of medical 

supplies and personal protective equipment were delivered to those in need 

across our Nation. 

As we continue to build a better America, our Merchant Marine plays 

a pivotal role in securing our coastal and inland waterways so that they 

are open to trade. No matter the hardship, mariners provide a smooth 

passage for America’s critical domestic goods and serve as stewards of 

our Nation’s trading gateways with the rest of the world. My Administration 

continues its unwavering support of the United States Merchant Marine, 

as well as the Jones Act, which protects the integrity of our domestic 

maritime industry, supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contributes 

over $150 billion in economic benefits. 

We also know that the future success of the vital maritime industry depends 

on its ability to attract the talent of all Americans and reflect the diversity 

of the Nation it serves. That is why we are resolved to continue the urgent 

work of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant Marine and to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, and bullying 

in the workplace. 

Our Nation’s merchant mariners serve with honor and integrity each and 

every day. Today, we recognize their service and sacrifice and recommit 

ourselves to fulfilling the promises and uplifting the values that they continue 

to protect. 

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated 

May 22 of each year as ‘‘National Maritime Day’’ to commemorate the 

first transoceanic voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. 

By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the President 

to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. 


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31706 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2022 / Presidential Documents 

I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship 

on that day. 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States 

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

and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2022, as 

National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to observe this day and 

to celebrate the United States Merchant Marine and maritime industry with 

appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. 

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

of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-two, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortysixth. 

[FR Doc. 2022–11325 

Filed 5–23–22; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3395–F2–P 


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