[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 20 (Monday, May 24, 1993)]
[Pages 921-922]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6564--National Maritime Day, 1993

 May 21, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On May 22, 1819, the first transatlantic steamship voyage began when 
the SS Savannah left the U.S. port of Savannah, Georgia. Sixty years 
ago, in recognition of this historic voyage, President Franklin D. 
Roosevelt first called upon the American people to observe May 22 as 
National Maritime Day by displaying the American flag at their homes and 
other suitable places.
    On National Maritime Day 50 years ago, the United States was engaged 
in a great World War. The United States merchant marine made victory 
possible by linking our production forces at home with our fighting 
forces overseas. Throughout our history, America's civilian seafarers 
have faithfully supported our military forces.
    Thirty years ago, President John F. Kennedy cited the role of the 
American merchant marine in promoting world trade. ``Our ships and the 
men who man them stand ready to serve the Nation in any cir- 

[[Page 922]]

cumstance and in all conditions of peaceful commerce or national 
emergency,'' he said.

    On National Maritime Day 15 years ago, the U.S. Merchant Marine 
Academy at Kings Point, New York, was preparing to become the first 
Federal service academy to grant diplomas to women. The women who have 
since graduated from our service academies contribute significantly to 
our Nation's economic and military strength.

    Today, America's merchant ships continue to provide jobs and 
economic benefits for America. The men and women who sail those ships 
and who serve in supporting industries are prepared to support the 
Nation in times of crisis. I ask all Americans to join me in saluting 
them on National Maritime Day, 1993.

    In recognition of the importance of the U.S. merchant marine, 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, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1993, as National Maritime 
Day. I urge the people of the United States to observe this day with 
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying the 
flag of the United States at their homes and other suitable places. 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-first 
day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and seventeenth.

                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:24 p.m., May 21, 1993]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
25.