[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 96 (Wednesday, May 18, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 31479-31480]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-11923]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 96 / Wednesday, May 18, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 31479]]


                Proclamation 9446 of May 13, 2016

                
National Defense Transportation Day and National 
                Transportation Week, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                At the core of our national character is our persistent 
                belief in what we, as a people, can accomplish as one. 
                Connecting every corner of our country and each chapter 
                of our Nation's story, our infrastructure has always 
                played a critical role in helping us solve our shared 
                challenges and in fueling the innovation and 
                productivity that drive our economy. On National 
                Defense Transportation Day and during National 
                Transportation Week, we reflect on the importance of 
                infrastructure throughout our history, and we recognize 
                the need to invest in these essential pathways to our 
                future.

                From the National Road envisioned by our Founders to 
                the Interstate Highway System first authorized six 
                decades ago, the history of infrastructure projects in 
                our country reflects the belief that the progress made 
                by each generation is built on the efforts of those who 
                came before. Our investments in transportation systems 
                have not only driven extraordinary and innovative 
                advances, but they have also uplifted our Nation in 
                times of great trial. Authorizing the construction of 
                hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, the Works 
                Progress Administration--established by President 
                Franklin D. Roosevelt--played a major role in lifting 
                our Nation from the depths of the Great Depression. And 
                America would not be what it is today without 
                structures like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover 
                Dam--defining symbols of the daring ingenuity brought 
                about by the grit and unwavering determination of our 
                people.

                In our time, it is imperative that we carry forward 
                this legacy by rebuilding our roads, transit lines, 
                bridges, ports, and water systems. That is why my 
                Administration has worked to repair and modernize our 
                transportation infrastructure; connected more 
                individuals, businesses, and communities across our 
                country to high-speed broadband; and called on the 
                Congress to commit to making the long-term investments 
                in our infrastructure on which our country depends. And 
                because there is no greater threat to our planet and to 
                future generations than the peril of a changing 
                climate, I have put forward a plan for creating a 21st 
                Century Clean Transportation System to put us on a 
                course to develop secure, resilient infrastructure that 
                can reduce carbon pollution while strengthening our 
                economy.

                Our transportation systems represent important parts of 
                our history and heritage, but they are also critical to 
                our safety and security, and ensuring they are stable 
                and sound for future generations is vital. Our first 
                responders travel our roads to confront danger and save 
                lives; aid workers travel far and wide to bring relief 
                in the wake of tragedy and devastation; and our Armed 
                Forces utilize transportation networks each day to 
                protect our Nation and our values.

                This year, we mark 50 years since President Lyndon B. 
                Johnson signed the Department of Transportation Act. 
                Embodying both optimism for the future and a clear 
                understanding of the work needed to shape that future, 
                the founding of the Department of Transportation 
                reminds us that America's progress has never been 
                inevitable, that it has always depended on our people 
                deciding, with boldness and vision, to renew our 
                country's promise.

[[Page 31480]]

                In that spirit, let us reaffirm our commitment to 
                fulfilling this tremendous task in the face of the 
                challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.

                In recognition of the importance of our Nation's 
                transportation infrastructure, and of the men and women 
                who build, operate, maintain, and utilize it, the 
                Congress has requested, by joint resolution approved 
                May 16, 1957, as amended (36 U.S.C. 120), that the 
                President designate the third Friday in May of each 
                year as ``National Defense Transportation Day,'' and, 
                by joint resolution approved May 14, 1962, as amended 
                (36 U.S.C. 133), that the week during which that Friday 
                falls be designated as ``National Transportation 
                Week.''

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, 
                May 20, 2016, as National Defense Transportation Day 
                and May 15 through May 21, 2016, as National 
                Transportation Week. I call upon all Americans to 
                recognize the importance of our Nation's transportation 
                infrastructure and to acknowledge the contributions of 
                those who build, operate, and maintain it.

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

[FR Doc. 2016-11923
Filed 5-17-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P