[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 101 (Thursday, May 24, 2001)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 28639-28640]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-13296]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 66, No. 101 / Thursday, May 24, 2001 / 
Presidential Documents  

 ___________________________________________________________________

 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 28639]]

                Proclamation 7442 of May 18, 2001

                
National Maritime Day, 2001

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Throughout our history, America's economic prosperity 
                has been closely tied to its maritime geography. From 
                indigenous peoples navigating our majestic rivers to 
                colonists settling along the New World's eastern 
                shores, natives and immigrants alike have relied on the 
                sea and our bountiful inland waterways for commerce and 
                security.

                In colonial days and in the 19th century, America's 
                maritime industries facilitated the exchange of goods 
                and the migration of pioneers. During World War II, 
                some 6,000 American seafarers and more than 700 U.S. 
                merchant ships fell to enemy action, many in the 
                infamous Run to Murmansk. No branch of our Armed 
                Forces, save the Marine Corps, suffered a higher 
                casualty rate. Today, our Merchant Marine continues 
                this proud tradition.

                As recently as the Persian Gulf War and during 
                humanitarian and military operations since, a unique 
                partnership of Government, industry, and labor has 
                continued its vital maritime service to our Nation. 
                Many civilian merchant mariners crew the Maritime 
                Administration's Ready Reserve Force, which is 
                observing its 25th anniversary.

                Today, the U.S. maritime fleet has decreased in the 
                number of vessels in the international trades, but it 
                transports goods more efficiently and economically than 
                ever before. These U.S. ships deliver a billion tons of 
                imports and exports each year in our foreign trade and 
                another billion tons of waterborne domestic trade. Many 
                merchant seafarers are trained at outstanding 
                institutions such as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy 
                at Kings Point, New York, the six State maritime 
                academies, and several union and industry training 
                facilities.

                To help ensure continued competitiveness, we must 
                tailor our maritime policy to the challenges of the 
                21st century. America's Marine Transportation System 
                will help determine our long-term economic health and 
                improve our ability to respond quickly and effectively 
                in crisis. Within the next 2 decades, cargo will 
                double. Accordingly, my Administration is working with 
                Government agencies, the maritime industry, shippers, 
                labor unions, and environmental groups to ensure that 
                our waterways continue to serve as a sound 
                transportation option in the face of ever-growing 
                congestion on highways and rail lines.

                In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant 
                Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on 
                May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as 
                ``National Maritime Day'' and has authorized and 
                requested that the President issue an annual 
                proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2001, as National 
                Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United 
                States to celebrate this observance and to display 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.

[[Page 28640]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand one, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-13296
Filed 05-23-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P