[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 31705-31706]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11325]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 24, 2022 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 31705]]


                Proclamation 10401 of May 20, 2022

                
National Maritime Day, 2022

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                From sea to shining sea, whether in still or raging 
                waters, America has always been a Nation of maritime 
                travel. Across our 25,000 miles of waterways and over 
                360 commercial ports, the United States Merchant Marine 
                is integral to our Nation's prosperity. From helping 
                move goods throughout the supply chain to supporting 
                our troops wherever they are deployed, the Merchant 
                Marine plays a vital role in the economic security and 
                defense of our country. On National Maritime Day and 
                every day, we honor the Merchant Marines for their 
                service and sacrifice and acknowledge their crucial 
                role in protecting our Nation's security and commerce.

                Today, our Merchant Marine remains inextricably linked 
                to our national and economic security and 
                competitiveness. Merchant mariners' legacy of 
                perseverance and dedication is carried on by today's 
                civilian mariners. As tyranny and violence again cause 
                the tragic loss of innocent lives and senseless 
                destruction in Europe, our merchant mariners have 
                answered the call of duty by crewing vessels of our 
                United States Ready Reserve, moving vital military 
                cargo to help the Ukrainian people in their defense of 
                freedom.

                We also salute the remarkable efforts of our entire 
                maritime industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 
                They put the well-being of the American people first, 
                risking their lives to ensure that essential cargoes of 
                medical supplies and personal protective equipment were 
                delivered to those in need across our Nation.

                As we continue to build a better America, our Merchant 
                Marine plays a pivotal role in securing our coastal and 
                inland waterways so that they are open to trade. No 
                matter the hardship, mariners provide a smooth passage 
                for America's critical domestic goods and serve as 
                stewards of our Nation's trading gateways with the rest 
                of the world. My Administration continues its 
                unwavering support of the United States Merchant 
                Marine, as well as the Jones Act, which protects the 
                integrity of our domestic maritime industry, supports 
                hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contributes over 
                $150 billion in economic benefits.

                We also know that the future success of the vital 
                maritime industry depends on its ability to attract the 
                talent of all Americans and reflect the diversity of 
                the Nation it serves. That is why we are resolved to 
                continue the urgent work of advancing diversity, 
                equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant 
                Marine and to end sexual assault, sexual harassment, 
                and bullying in the workplace.

                Our Nation's merchant mariners serve with honor and 
                integrity each and every day. Today, we recognize their 
                service and sacrifice and recommit ourselves to 
                fulfilling the promises and uplifting the values that 
                they continue to protect.

                The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 
                1933, has designated May 22 of each year as ``National 
                Maritime Day'' to commemorate the first transoceanic 
                voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By 
                this resolution, the Congress has authorized and 
                requested the President to issue annually a 
                proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

[[Page 31706]]

                I also request that all ships sailing under the 
                American flag dress ship on that day.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of 
                the United States of America, by virtue of the 
                authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws 
                of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2022, 
                as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to 
                observe this day and to celebrate the United States 
                Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate 
                programs, ceremonies, and activities.

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

[FR Doc. 2022-11325
Filed 5-23-22; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3395-F2-P