[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 99 (Tuesday, May 24, 1994)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 26733-26734]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-12831]
[[Page Unknown]]
[Federal Register: May 24, 1994]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register
Vol. 59, No. 99
Tuesday, May 24, 1994
____________________________________________________________________
Title 3--
The President
Proclamation 6692 of May 19, 1994
National Maritime Day, 1994
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Soon, our Nation and much of the world will pause to
remember the historic events that took place 50 years
ago--events that secured the freedom we have long
enjoyed. As we honor the heroes of D-Day and World War
II, it is fitting to include among them the civilian
American merchant mariners who sailed in harm's way to
supply the needs of our Allied fighting forces. More
than 700 cargo ships and 6,000 seafarers were lost to
enemy action. Their sacrifices were crucial to victory,
as were the unparalleled efforts of American
shipbuilding.
The world has changed in many ways in the last half
century, but America remains a maritime Nation. We
depend upon ocean vessels to transport the vast
majority of our huge international trade, which
continues to expand. We also consistently rely on sea
power to support our military forces.
As we look to the future, it is vital to maintain an
American presence in the movement of our international
commerce and to retain the capability of building
ships. During the past year, this Administration has
proposed, and is implementing programs to ensure, the
future of America's maritime industries.
Last October, we announced a five-step plan to
strengthen the American shipbuilding industry and to
make it more competitive in the international market.
Our plan promotes innovative, standardized ship designs
that will reduce costs through state-of-the-art
technology and series production methods.
In March, we sent the Congress the Maritime Security
and Trade Act of 1994. Its enactment will ensure that
United States flag merchant ships will maintain their
role in carrying a significant portion of our vast
trade and that American ships and American seafarers
will continue to provide reliable sealift support in
national emergencies.
Our Nation is charting a new course, reinforcing our
heritage as a great maritime power and supporting our
interests as the world's leading international trader.
In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant
Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved
May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as
``National Maritime Day'' and has authorized and
requested the President to issue annually a
proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22,
1994, as National Maritime Day. I urge the people of
the United States to observe this day with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying
the flag of the United States at their homes and other
appropriate places. I also request that all ships
sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
nineteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen
hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and
eighteenth.
(Presidential Sig.)>
[FR Doc. 94-12831
Filed 5-20-94; 4:29 pm]
Billing code 3195-01-P