[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 101 (Wednesday, May 25, 2016)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 33329-33330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-12561]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 101 / Wednesday, May 25, 2016 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 33329]]


                Proclamation 9453 of May 20, 2016

                
National Maritime Day, 2016

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Since America's founding, proud mariners have 
                selflessly dedicated themselves to protecting and 
                advancing our interests--here at home and around the 
                world. The patriots of the United States Merchant 
                Marine have long served as our Nation's ``fourth arm of 
                defense,'' safeguarding the ideals that have guided our 
                country for more than two centuries. They facilitate 
                the transport and trade of American goods, and they put 
                their lives on the line in times of war. On National 
                Maritime Day, we honor our Merchant Mariners and 
                celebrate their irreplaceable role in shaping our 
                Nation's narrative.

                Whether in still or raging waters, Merchant Mariners 
                are fundamental to guaranteeing the delivery of 
                essential goods to far-reaching corners of our globe. 
                These seafarers have bravely faced threats at home and 
                abroad--including combatants and pirates, disease 
                outbreaks and natural disasters--and they consistently 
                heed the call to serve their fellow Americans. In World 
                War II, their ships carried troops and much-needed 
                support to the battlefield, thousands making the 
                ultimate sacrifice. They were among the first to see 
                battle, and many were among the last to return home to 
                our shores.

                Carrying forward a legacy that spans generations, the 
                United States Merchant Marine is vital to our Nation's 
                economic security as well. Their transportation of 
                vital cargo has impacts far beyond America's borders, 
                generating trillions of dollars of economic activity 
                each year. And when our entrepreneurs decide to embark 
                on new ventures across oceans, mariners stand by and 
                protect their pursuit of the American dream through 
                tireless work to cultivate safe and open waterways. On 
                this day, and every day, let us express our sincere 
                gratitude to these courageous men and women for all 
                they do for our Nation, and let us reaffirm our 
                commitment to support them as they continue to uphold 
                their proud tradition of service.

                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, 
                2016, 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 this day.

[[Page 33330]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twentieth 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. 2016-12561
Filed 5-24-16; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F6-P