[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 29989-29990]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12982]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 29989]]

                Proclamation 8678 of May 18, 2011

                
National Maritime Day, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                In times of peace or war, the civilians serving in the 
                United States Merchant Marine have helped keep our 
                Nation safe and prosperous. We depend on these men and 
                women serving on our ships and tugs, in our ports and 
                shipyards, close to home or far at sea, to connect 
                businesses, service members, and citizens around the 
                world. On National Maritime Day, we honor their 
                invaluable contributions to America's economic strength 
                and security.

                On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah completed the first 
                successful voyage by a steam powered ship across the 
                Atlantic, shepherding in a new age of maritime travel 
                and transport. By the 20th century, the United States 
                maritime trade was booming, fostering exchanges across 
                the world and aiding our military at war. During World 
                War II, Merchant Marines were critical in providing 
                necessary supplies and services to troops abroad, while 
                suffering an extraordinarily high death rate. Hundreds 
                of merchant ships fell to enemy action, and nearly one 
                in thirty mariners did not return home.

                United States flag vessels and those who operate them 
                continue to be an integral part of our military 
                operations overseas. They support operations in Iraq 
                and Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian aid missions 
                and disaster relief efforts. Without the steadfast 
                commitment of our mariners, our Nation would not be as 
                prepared to deal with unforeseen events, conflicts, or 
                crises. Their bravery and valor make our waterways 
                safer and more efficient every day.

                Today, our maritime industry is a valuable source of 
                skilled employment for American workers, contributing 
                billions of dollars to our economy. It is also a 
                critical part of our transportation system. Last year, 
                my Administration implemented ``America's Marine 
                Highway Program,'' an effort that enables American 
                businesses to participate in improving the safety and 
                environmental sustainability of our waterways. Our 
                mariners' continued work is helping American industry 
                remain competitive in the global economy, pushing us 
                toward a more prosperous and free 21st century.

                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, 
                2011, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people 
                of the United States to mark 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 29990]]

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

[FR Doc. 2011-12982
Filed 5-23-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P