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

123 STAT. 3653
 
PROCLAMATION 8384--MAY 20, 2009

Proclamation 8384 of May 20, 2009
National Maritime Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of security and
prosperity. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, and criss-
crossed by a myriad of inland waterways, America's destiny as a maritime
nation was a story foretold.
The Merchant Marine took up arms alongside the Continental Navy to help
defeat the British Navy during the American Revolution. Since then, they
have served bravely as the United States has faced threats ranging from
war to piracy, and our seafaring fleet has proven instrumental in
protecting our safety. In times of conflict and crisis, the Armed Forces
rely on the Merchant Marine's sealift capability to transport critical
equipment and supplies. Time and again, mariners have demonstrated their
willingness and ability to meet daunting challenges.

Waterways have also enabled much of the commerce that has expanded
America's economy. Domestic and international commerce occurred along
rivers and coasts even before our Nation's birth. Great cities have
sprouted near waterways, and maritime activity remains crucial to our
economy today.
The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the many other workers
who have supported the maritime industry have made significant
contributions to our leadership in the global marketplace, and to our
security.
On this National Maritime Day, we also mark the opening of a permanent
exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution, ``On the Water.'' It
demonstrates the importance of the maritime industry and chronicles our
history as a maritime nation.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has
designated May 22 of each year as ``National Maritime Day'' and has
authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation
calling for its appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2009, 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 twentieth 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