[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1008]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CELEBRATING NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

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                         HON. RODNEY ALEXANDER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take a moment to remember 
the valiant efforts of their neighbors and fellow citizens of the U.S. 
Merchant Marine.
  America is a nation of the sea. Our oceans, lakes and rivers have 
left an indelible mark upon the American existence. The American 
Merchant Marine--both the industry and mariners who ply the oceans of 
the world under our Flag--are a critical part of our national 
infrastructure. During peace time they move the goods that keep America 
moving, and during war time, they protect us by ensuring that our 
soldiers abroad have the equipment, food and medicine that keep them 
fighting.
  As President Ronald Reagan said in his 1988 National Maritime Day 
proclamation, ``. . . the merchant marine continues its roles in trade 
and defense--and the sailors of our commercial fleets continue to 
exhibit the patriotism and the many skills that have ever characterized 
them and their predecessors. It is truly fitting that we pause to 
salute these seafarers and all other Americans who support them and 
guard the lifelines of the sea that sustain us all.''
  Yet despite the critical role in our national infrastructure that the 
maritime industry plays, it is all too easy to forget them. We see 
trucks every day on our roads, and we see airplanes in our skies. We do 
not see the hundreds of ships that sail our oceans brimming with cargo, 
bound for our malls and supermarkets. We do not see the thousands of 
men and women who leave behind their families for months at a time to 
crew these vessels and ensure that the goods we need to survive make it 
to our shores.
  Every May 22, we as a nation come together to celebrate National 
Maritime Day, a day to remember those men and women who are so often 
forgotten. Today, just as it was at our nation's founding, the American 
Merchant Marine remains an important part of our national experience.

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