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

 
PROCLAMATION 8526--MAY 20, 2010

Proclamation 8526 of May 20, 2010
National Maritime Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Even before our Nation declared independence, our forebears recognized
the importance of merchant ships and seafarers to our economic and
national security. Since 1775, America's maritime fleet has risen to the
challenges before them and worked to meet our country's needs in times
of peace and war alike. On National Maritime Day, we recognize the men
and women of the United States Merchant Marine for their contributions
to America's leadership in the global marketplace, and to our security.
Civilian mariners and their ships have played an important role in
equipping our military forces at sea in national conflicts. During World
War II, they executed the largest sealift the world had ever known, and
thousands gave their lives to help convoys with desperately needed
supplies reach our troops. Their service to our Nation continues today.
Merchant mariners support military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan,
as well as humanitarian missions, including the delivery of supplies to
Haiti following this year's devastating earthquake.

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The United States Merchant Marine also shepherds the safe passage of
American goods. They carry our exports to customers around the world and
support the flow of domestic commerce on our maritime highways. They
help strengthen our Nation's economy; bolster job-creating businesses;
and, along with the transportation industry, employ Americans on ships
and tugs, and in ports and shipyards. Today, we pay tribute to the
United States Merchant Marine, and we honor all those whose tireless
work is laying a foundation for growth, prosperity, and leadership in
the 21st century.
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, 2010, as National Maritime Day. I
call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance with
appropriate activities, and I encourage all ships sailing under the
American flag to 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 ten, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA