[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 126, 112th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8819--MAY 14, 2012

Proclamation 8819 of May 14, 2012

National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week,
2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From the railroads that connected our continent in the 19th century to
the highways that drove progress during the 20th, American
infrastructure has fueled our Nation's growth for generations. Our
roads, rails, runways, and shipyards have formed the foundation for a
thriving global marketplace, and our transportation networks have
enabled our first responders and service members to react with speed and
efficiency during crisis. On National Defense Transportation Day and
during National Transportation Week, we celebrate that rich legacy and
recommit to building robust infrastructure that will accelerate our
economy in the years ahead.
The need for strong and sustainable transportation networks has never
been greater. While transportation systems across our country continue
to connect millions of Americans to new economic opportunities, for too
many businesses, the state of our roads and railways creates a
competitive disadvantage that discourages investment and slows the pace


[[Page 2588]]


of progress. Crumbling bridges put our safety at risk, and antiquated
infrastructure limits our capacity to respond to threats, emergencies,
and hazards at home and abroad. These situations diminish our security,
our prosperity, and our resilience, and we must do more to address them.
That is why my Administration has prioritized strategic, long-term
investments in transportation infrastructure that will keep America safe
and ensure we can compete and succeed in the global economy. Through the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Transportation Investment
Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant program, all 50
States have launched new highway and infrastructure projects, and many
have funded passenger rail development that will modernize our cities
and help put more construction workers back on the job. Moving forward,
we remain committed to upgrading our infrastructure; ensuring the safety
and security of our transportation systems; bringing diverse,
sustainable transit opportunities to communities across our country; and
investing in innovative solutions to address the transportation
challenges of today and tomorrow.
An economy built to last depends on a world-class infrastructure system.
This week, as we come together in pursuit of that critical goal, let us
recall that as long as we are joined in common purpose and common
resolve, our Nation remains strong, and our journey moves forward.
In recognition of the importance of our Nation's transportation
infrastructure, and of the men and women who build, maintain, and
utilize it, 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 18, 2012, as National Defense
Transportation Day and May 13 through May 19, 2012, 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 fourteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA