[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 98 (Friday, May 22, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 24691-24692]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-12247]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 98 / Friday, May 22, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 24691]]


                Proclamation 8384 of May 20, 2009

                
National Maritime Day, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of 
                security and prosperity. Bounded by two oceans and the 
                Gulf of Mexico, and criss-crossed by a myriad of inland 
                waterways, America's destiny as a maritime nation was a 
                story foretold.

                The Merchant Marine took up arms alongside the 
                Continental Navy to help defeat the British Navy during 
                the American Revolution. Since then, they have served 
                bravely as the United States has faced threats ranging 
                from war to piracy, and our seafaring fleet has proven 
                instrumental in protecting our safety. In times of 
                conflict and crisis, the Armed Forces rely on the 
                Merchant Marine's sealift capability to transport 
                critical equipment and supplies. Time and again, 
                mariners have demonstrated their willingness and 
                ability to meet daunting challenges.

                Waterways have also enabled much of the commerce that 
                has expanded America's economy. Domestic and 
                international commerce occurred along rivers and coasts 
                even before our Nation's birth. Great cities have 
                sprouted near waterways, and maritime activity remains 
                crucial to our economy today.

                The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the 
                many other workers who have supported the maritime 
                industry have made significant contributions to our 
                leadership in the global marketplace, and to our 
                security.

                On this National Maritime Day, we also mark the opening 
                of a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian 
                Institution, ``On the Water.'' It demonstrates the 
                importance of the maritime industry and chronicles our 
                history as a maritime nation.

                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, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 
                2009, 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 24692]]

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

[FR Doc. E9-12247
Filed 5-21-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P