[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