[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 122, 110th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8259--MAY 21, 2008

Proclamation 8259 of May 21, 2008
National Maritime Day, 2008
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On National Maritime Day, America honors our highly skilled mariners who
sail the high seas, support those on the front lines of the war on
terror, and promote commerce around the world.
Since 1775, the United States Merchant Marine has served our country,
helping America become a great maritime power. During the Second World
War, courageous mariners were among those who suffered greatly--hundreds
of ships were lost to enemy action, and many mariners made the ultimate
sacrifice. We pay tribute to these heroes who answered the call to serve
when our Nation needed them most. Today, our merchant mariners continue
to protect our homeland, including by supporting our troops in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
In times of peace and war, these brave patriots help keep our Nation
safe and strengthen our economy. By transporting American goods across
the oceans, merchant mariners facilitate commerce and advance trade.
These Americans honor the noble traditions of seafarers and enrich our
country's maritime heritage.
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, 2008, 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 twenty-first day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.
GEORGE W. BUSH