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

 
PROCLAMATION 8828--MAY 22, 2012

Proclamation 8828 of May 22, 2012

National Maritime Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For 237 years, the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine
have risen to meet our country's call. They have strengthened our
economy and our security in times of calm and conflict, connecting our
service members to the supplies they need and transporting our exports
into the global marketplace. On National Maritime Day, we pay tribute to
all those who have served and sacrificed on our waterways and around the
world.
From privateers who bravely fought for American independence to mariners
who have supported our Armed Forces for over two centuries, the United
States Merchant Marine carries forward an enduring legacy of service to
our Nation. In the War of 1812, mariners put their lives on the line to
preserve our young Republic, engaging British warships with sloops and
schooners off our Atlantic coast. During World War II, they executed
perilous transits to support our troops in combat.

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And throughout the
20th century and into the 21st, Merchant Mariners have contributed to
the defense of our Nation by transporting essential cargo to ports
across the globe. Their commitment has helped deliver us through periods
of conflict, and their service will remain a critical asset to our
security in the years ahead.
Our maritime industry also sustains the robust domestic and
international trade networks that power our economy. As we open up new
markets for American exports and support our businesses here at home,
the United States Merchant Marine will continue to play a vital role in
driving progress and prosperity in communities across our country.
Today, we commemorate that important work, and we honor the mariners who
dedicate their lives to seeing it through.
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, 2012, 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 twenty-second 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