[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9446 of May 13, 2016

National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week,
2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

At the core of our national character is our persistent belief in what
we, as a people, can accomplish as one. Connecting every corner of our
country and each chapter of our Nation's story, our infrastructure has
always played a critical role in helping us solve our shared challenges
and in fueling the innovation and productivity that drive our economy.
On National Defense Transportation Day and during National
Transportation Week, we reflect on the importance of infrastructure
throughout our history, and we recognize the need to invest in these
essential pathways to our future.
From the National Road envisioned by our Founders to the Interstate
Highway System first authorized six decades ago, the history of
infrastructure projects in our country reflects the belief that the
progress made by each generation is built on the efforts of those who
came before. Our investments in transportation systems have not only
driven extraordinary and innovative advances, but they have also
uplifted our Nation in times of great trial. Authorizing the
construction of hundreds of thousands of miles of roads, the Works
Progress Administration--established by President Franklin D.
Roosevelt--played a major role in lifting our Nation from the depths of
the Great Depression. And America would not be what it is today without
structures like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam--defining
symbols of the daring ingenuity brought about by the grit and unwavering
determination of our people.
In our time, it is imperative that we carry forward this legacy by
rebuilding our roads, transit lines, bridges, ports, and water systems.
That is why my Administration has worked to repair and modernize our
transportation infrastructure; connected more individuals, businesses,
and communities across our country to high-speed broadband; and called
on the Congress to commit to making the long-term investments in our
infrastructure on which our country depends. And because there is no
greater threat to our planet and to future generations than the peril of
a changing climate, I have put forward a plan for creating a 21st
Century Clean Transportation System to put us on a course to develop
secure, resilient infrastructure that can reduce carbon pollution while
strengthening our economy.
Our transportation systems represent important parts of our history and
heritage, but they are also critical to our safety and security, and
ensuring they are stable and sound for future generations is vital. Our
first responders travel our roads to confront danger and save lives; aid
workers travel far and wide to bring relief in the wake of tragedy and
devastation; and our Armed Forces utilize transportation networks each
day to protect our Nation and our values.
This year, we mark 50 years since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the
Department of Transportation Act. Embodying both optimism for the future
and a clear understanding of the work needed to shape that future, the
founding of the Department of Transportation reminds us

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that America's progress has never been inevitable, that it has always
depended on our people deciding, with boldness and vision, to renew our
country's promise. In that spirit, let us reaffirm our commitment to
fulfilling this tremendous task in the face of the challenges and
opportunities of today and tomorrow.
In recognition of the importance of our Nation's transportation
infrastructure, and of the men and women who build, operate, 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 20, 2016, as National Defense
Transportation Day and May 15 through May 21, 2016, 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 thirteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA