[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8021--MAY 19, 2006
Proclamation 8021 of May 19, 2006
National Maritime Day, 2006
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The United States Merchant Marine plays an important role in ensuring
our national security and strengthening our economy. As we celebrate
National Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant Marine
Act, we pay tribute to merchant mariners and their faithful service to
our Nation.

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120 STAT. 3810

Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our country, and in
1936, the Merchant Marine Act officially established their role in our
military as a wartime naval auxiliary. During World War II, merchant
mariners were critical to the delivery of troops and supplies overseas,
and they helped keep vital ocean supply lines operating. President
Franklin D. Roosevelt praised these brave merchant mariners for
persevering ``despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber, and
the surface raider.'' Today's merchant mariners follow those who
courageously served before them as they continue to provide crucial
support for our Nation's service men and women. America is grateful for
their commitment to excellence and devotion to duty.
In addition to helping defend our country, merchant mariners facilitate
commerce by importing and exporting goods throughout the world. They
work with our Nation's transportation industry to share their valuable
skills and experience in ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo
transportation. This past year, the good work and compassion of merchant
mariners also played an important role in hurricane relief efforts.
Ships brought urgently needed supplies to the devastated areas, provided
assistance for oil spill cleanup, generated electricity, and provided
meals and lodging for recovery workers and evacuees.
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, 2006, as National Maritime Day. I
call upon all the people of the United States to mark this observance by
honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying 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 nineteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH