[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8678 of May 18, 2011

National Maritime Day, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
In times of peace or war, the civilians serving in the United States
Merchant Marine have helped keep our Nation safe and prosperous. We
depend on these men and women serving on our ships and tugs, in our
ports and shipyards, close to home or far at sea, to connect businesses,
service members, and citizens around the world. On National Maritime
Day, we honor their invaluable contributions to America's economic
strength and security.
On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah completed the first successful voyage
by a steam powered ship across the Atlantic, shepherding in a new age of
maritime travel and transport. By the 20th century, the United States
maritime trade was booming, fostering exchanges across the world and
aiding our military at war. During World War II, Merchant Marines were
critical in providing necessary supplies and services to troops abroad,
while suffering an extraordinarily high death rate. Hundreds of merchant
ships fell to enemy action, and nearly one in thirty mariners did not
return home.
United States flag vessels and those who operate them continue to be an
integral part of our military operations overseas. They support
operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian aid missions
and disaster relief efforts. Without the steadfast commitment of our
mariners, our Nation would not be as prepared to deal with unforeseen
events, conflicts, or crises. Their bravery and valor make our waterways
safer and more efficient every day.
Today, our maritime industry is a valuable source of skilled employment
for American workers, contributing billions of dollars to our economy.
It is also a critical part of our transportation system. Last year, my
Administration implemented ``America's Marine Highway Program,'' an
effort that enables American businesses to participate in improving the
safety and environmental sustainability of our waterways. Our mariners'
continued work is helping American industry remain competitive in the
global economy, pushing us toward a more prosperous and free 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, 2011, as National Maritime Day. I
call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance and to
display 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 eighteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the

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Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA