    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 7680 of May 21, 2003

    National Maritime Day, 2003

    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    Today, as in the past, America depends on our maritime services to help
    ensure our security, promote our prosperity, and advance the universal
    hope of freedom. We honor the service and proud history of our merchant
    mariners and also recognize their important contributions in
    strengthening our economy.
    For generations, merchant marines and commercial sailors have assisted
    in the defense of our Nation. Most recently, more than 5,000 merchant
    mariners supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom by
    serving aboard 157 ships moving essential supplies to our troops. As
    they continue to support our troops in the ongoing war on terror, their
    mission continues to be dangerous and difficult, and remains vital to
    our efforts to defend the peace.
    We also remember the vital role the Merchant Marine has played in past
    conflicts. More than 6,000 merchant mariners lost their lives during
    World War II, and more than 700 U.S. merchant ships were lost. Even
    before the United States declared war, merchant mariners were making
    perilous runs to Europe with desperately needed supplies. President
    Franklin Roosevelt, the first President to issue a proclamation honoring
    merchant mariners, wrote of their role during wartime: ``They have
    delivered the goods when and where needed in every the

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    ater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most
    difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken.'' We are
    grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of America's merchant
    mariners before and after World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian
    Gulf, and around the world today.
    In addition to their efforts to support our troops, merchant marines
    play a vital role in moving the goods that we produce around the United
    States and throughout the world. Their work provides jobs and economic
    benefits to our country, and strengthens our economy. By operating as
    the eyes and ears of America at sea, they also help protect our
    homeland.
    In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the
    Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has
    designated May 22 of each year as ``National Maritime Day,'' and has
    authorized and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation
    calling for its appropriate observance.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of
    America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2003, as National Maritime Day. I
    call upon the people of the United States to celebrate 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.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of
    May, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
    GEORGE W. BUSH