[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 21 (Monday, May 27, 1996)]
[Pages 907-908]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6900--National Maritime Day, 1996

May 21, 1996

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The men and women of the United States Merchant Marine stand 
prepared to help our Nation in times of crisis. Their outstanding 
professionalism and performance have been manifest throughout America's 
proud history, most recently in the Persian Gulf, Haiti, and Somalia. 
Today, these brave individuals continue to bring honor to the maritime 
community and to our country through their steadfast service to our 
troops in Bosnia.
    Those working on and in support of U.S. vessels play another 
important role by strengthening our economy. Every day, merchant ships 
carry the Nation's domestic and foreign commerce, acting as an integral 
part of our seamless transportation system. Those aboard go to sea to 
move American goods and materials, to help provide aid and comfort to 
others around the world, and, when necessary, to defend our interests 
and to seek international peace.
    The Maritime Security Program legislation currently before the 
Congress will preserve a strong sealift capability so that critical 
military cargoes can reach American troops and our allies abroad as they 
strive to fulfill their peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. It will 
protect American jobs and foster our efforts to expand international 
trade. In standing behind this important measure, we affirm our 
commitment to maintaining a strong U.S.-flag presence on the high seas 
for our continued national security and economic growth.
    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 
observance.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1996, as National Maritime 
Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate 
ceremonies, activities, and programs and by displaying 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-first 
day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and 
of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 22, 1996]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 23.

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