    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8520--MAY 14, 2010

    [[Page 4634]]

    Proclamation 8520 of May 14, 2010
    National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week,
    2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    The transportation networks of early America connected our rapidly
    growing Nation with natural waterways and dirt roads, making travel
    difficult and time-consuming. In the time since, undeveloped paths have
    given way to iron and concrete thoroughfares, and our modern
    transportation system has profoundly shaped our landscape, communities,
    commerce, and culture. During National Defense Transportation Day and
    National Transportation Week, we reaffirm the importance of an advanced
    transportation infrastructure to our Nation's economy and security, and
    we thank the dedicated men and women who build and maintain it.
    In times of peace and national crisis, efficient roads, rails, ports,
    and airports play a vital role in keeping us safe by enabling the rapid
    movement of people and resources. The devoted professionals who design
    and manage this infrastructure help ensure America has a world-class
    logistics and transportation system to support our military readiness
    and emergency response capabilities.
    Our Nation's transportation arteries make our economy more efficient,
    promoting economic growth, the lifeblood of commerce. The Department of
    Transportation is working closely with State, local, and tribal
    governments to ensure billions in transportation funds from the American
    Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are used to improve infrastructure
    across America. Through Recovery Act projects, we are repairing
    crumbling infrastructure, expanding transit capacity, and modernizing
    our transportation system to meet national security standards and the
    needs of a 21st-century economy.
    The ability to travel effectively also strengthens us as a people.
    President Eisenhower's creation of our interstate highway system over 50
    years ago revolutionized channels of economic and social mobility, drew
    together distant areas of our Nation, and helped us maneuver through
    dense metropolitan areas. Today, smart, sustainable development, coupled
    with quality public transportation, has created more livable and
    environmentally sustainable communities for all to enjoy. By reducing
    isolation and bringing neighborhoods together, we can continue to
    increase access to good jobs, affordable housing, safe streets and
    parks, and a healthy food supply.
    Working together to upgrade our Nation's transportation infrastructure,
    we will lay a new foundation for long-term growth, security, and
    prosperity in America and give future generations a transportation
    system that is second to none.

    To recognize the importance of transportation and the Americans who work
    to meet our transportation needs, 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 dur-

    [[Page 4635]]

    ing 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 21, 2010, as National Defense
    Transportation Day and the week of May 16 through May 22, 2010, as
    National Transportation Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the
    importance of our Nation's transportation system and to acknowledge the
    contributions of the men and women who support this critical sector.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
    May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence
    of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA