[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8377--MAY 11, 2009

Proclamation 8377 of May 11, 2009
National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week,
2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Every day, Americans rely on roads, rails, ports, and airports to get to
work and to transport goods and services. At the same time, the United
States Armed Forces rely on our transportation infrastructure to move
personnel and supplies. During National Transportation Week and on
National Defense Transportation Day, we underscore the importance of the
transportation system to our Nation's economy and security. We also
honor the dedicated professionals who build, maintain, and operate our
transportation infrastructure.
From rural roads to state-of-the-art intermodal facilities,
transportation infrastructure is crucial to economic growth. Goods and
services flow constantly across land, water, and sky, and our most
efficient modes of travel save businesses and consumers money, and can
reduce impacts on our environment. To compete in the 21st century global
economy, the United States must have an advanced transportation system.
Securing America's energy future and maintaining our national defense
also require a robust transportation system. Whether responding to
natural disasters at home or mobilizing resources to defend America

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abroad, transportation is vital to keeping Americans safe. Global
climate change and our reliance on foreign oil have also created
tremendous national security challenges. To solve these problems and
create new economic opportunities, we must make our transportation
system cleaner and more efficient.
My Administration has taken bold action to rebuild our Nation's
crumbling infrastructure. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
integrates the goals of job creation and economic growth with a renewed
commitment to transportation. This legislation will fund projects to
improve public transportation, repair highways and roads, modernize
airports and seaports, and invest in renewable energy, all while
creating or saving hundreds of thousands of jobs.
To make the most of every taxpayer dollar, my Administration is working
side-by-side with State and local governments and the private sector to
provide oversight and to closely monitor these transportation
investments.
The women and men who support this critical sector every day make this
plan possible. Renewing America's transportation system is an historic
task, and I am convinced they will rise to the challenge.
The Congress has requested, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957,
as amended (36 U.S.C. 120), that the President designate the third
Friday in May of each year as ``National Defense Transportation Day,''
and, by joint resolution approved May 14, 1962, as amended (36 U.S.C.
133), that the week during which that Friday falls be designated as
``National Transportation Week.''
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 15, 2009, as National Defense
Transportation Day and May 10 through May 16, 2009, as National
Transportation Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the
importance of our Nation's transportation infrastructure and to
acknowledge the contributions of those who build, operate, and maintain
it.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA