[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 121, 110th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8148--MAY 18, 2007

Proclamation 8148 of May 18, 2007
National Maritime Day, 2007
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America has a proud maritime history, and the United States Merchant
Marine has played a vital role in helping meet our country's economic
and national security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant
mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our
freedom.
During times of peace, the U.S. Merchant Marine helps ensure our
economic security by keeping the oceans open to trade. Ships operated by
merchant mariners transport goods across our Nation's waterways and on
the high seas around the world to connect American businesses and

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consumers with valuable foreign markets and commodities. The skill and
expertise of merchant mariners facilitates trade and helps to strengthen
our economy.
In times of war, the Merchant Marine is the lifeline of our troops
overseas. By carrying critical supplies, equipment, and personnel,
merchant mariners provide essential support to our Armed Forces and help
advance the cause of freedom. Today, merchant mariners are supporting
operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and their devotion to duty is a
tribute to the generations of men and women who have served our Nation
with courage and determination in every conflict in America's history.
On this day, and throughout the year, America is grateful for their
service.
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, 2007, as National Maritime Day. I
call upon 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 eighteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH