[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 102 (Wednesday, May 26, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29845-29846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-12071]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 102 / Wednesday, May 26, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 29845]]

                Proclamation 7789 of May 21, 2004

                
National Maritime Day, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                National Maritime Day provides an opportunity to 
                recognize the men and women of the United States 
                Merchant Marine and their contributions to our national 
                security and economic strength.

                Since they first offered their ships and services to 
                assist the Continental Navy in our struggle for 
                independence, to their distinguished service in World 
                War II, merchant mariners have courageously sacrificed 
                to protect our country and defend our freedoms. In 
                1936, America recognized the contributions of these 
                patriots and established the U.S. Merchant Marine ``as 
                a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or 
                national emergency.'' Today, merchant mariners are 
                delivering essential supplies and equipment to our 
                troops in Iraq and bravely serving the cause of 
                liberty. They continue to play an important role in our 
                Nation's efforts to advance democracy, peace, and 
                freedom around the world, and we are grateful for their 
                dedication.

                Merchant mariners also contribute significantly to the 
                U.S. maritime transportation system. More than 95 
                percent of non-North American trade enters our country 
                through our seaports. These ports handle more than $740 
                billion and 2 billion tons of domestic and 
                international freight each year. Those in the maritime 
                industry, including merchant mariners, enhance 
                waterborne commerce and help promote America's economic 
                growth.

                Today, we honor the courage, determination, and service 
                of our Nation's merchant mariners and remember the many 
                who have given their lives in defense of our country. 
                Their work reflects the patriotism and devotion to duty 
                that make America great.

                In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant 
                Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on 
                May 20, 1933, as amended, 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, do hereby proclaim May 22, 
                2004, 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 29846]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-12071
Filed 5-25-04; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P