[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 101 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Page 26067]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-13204]




[[Page 26065]]


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Part VII





The President





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Proclamation 6900--National Maritime Day, 1996
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  Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 101 / Thursday, May 23, 1996 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 26067]]

                Proclamation 6900 of May 21, 1996

                
National Maritime Day, 1996

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The men and women of the United States Merchant Marine 
                stand prepared to help our Nation in times of crisis. 
                Their outstanding professionalism and performance have 
                been manifest throughout America's proud history, most 
                recently in the Persian Gulf, Haiti, and Somalia. 
                Today, these brave individuals continue to bring honor 
                to the maritime community and to our country through 
                their steadfast service to our troops in Bosnia.

                Those working on and in support of U.S. vessels play 
                another important role by strengthening our economy. 
                Every day, merchant ships carry the Nation's domestic 
                and foreign commerce, acting as an integral part of our 
                seamless transportation system. Those aboard go to sea 
                to move American goods and materials, to help provide 
                aid and comfort to others around the world, and, when 
                necessary, to defend our interests and to seek 
                international peace.

                The Maritime Security Program legislation currently 
                before the Congress will preserve a strong sealift 
                capability so that critical military cargoes can reach 
                American troops and our allies abroad as they strive to 
                fulfill their peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. 
                It will protect American jobs and foster our efforts to 
                expand international trade. In standing behind this 
                important measure, we affirm our commitment to 
                maintaining a strong U.S.-flag presence on the high 
                seas for our continued national security and economic 
                growth.

                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 observance.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 
                1996, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to 
                observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, 
                activities, and programs and by displaying 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.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord 
                nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the 
                Independence of the United States of America the two 
                hundred and twentieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 96-13204
Filed 5-22-96; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P