[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 23, 2007)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29051-29052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 07-2584]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 99 / Wednesday, May 23, 2007 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 29051]]


                Proclamation 8148 of May 18, 2007

                
National Maritime Day, 2007

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                America has a proud maritime history, and the United 
                States Merchant Marine has played a vital role in 
                helping meet our country's economic and national 
                security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor 
                merchant mariners for their dedication to promoting 
                commerce and protecting our freedom.

                During times of peace, the U.S. Merchant Marine helps 
                ensure our economic security by keeping the oceans open 
                to trade. Ships operated by merchant mariners transport 
                goods across our Nation's waterways and on the high 
                seas around the world to connect American businesses 
                and consumers with valuable foreign markets and 
                commodities. The skill and expertise of merchant 
                mariners facilitates trade and helps to strengthen our 
                economy.

                In times of war, the Merchant Marine is the lifeline of 
                our troops overseas. By carrying critical supplies, 
                equipment, and personnel, merchant mariners provide 
                essential support to our Armed Forces and help advance 
                the cause of freedom. Today, merchant mariners are 
                supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and 
                their devotion to duty is a tribute to the generations 
                of men and women who have served our Nation with 
                courage and determination in every conflict in 
                America's history. On this day, and throughout the 
                year, America is grateful for their service.

                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, 
                2007, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to mark this observance by 
                honoring the service of merchant mariners 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.

[[Page 29052]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 07-2584
Filed 5-22-07; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P