[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 20 (Monday, May 19, 1997)]
[Pages 695-696]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7002--National Defense Transportation Day and National 
Transportation Week, 1997

May 9, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The United States has the finest, safest transportation system in 
the world--superior highways and waterways, railroads, pipelines, and 
airports. This system unites a diverse Nation, provides economic 
opportunity, and enhances our quality of life by giving our citizens 
almost unrestricted mobility.
    As we approach the 21st century, we must maintain the strength and 
reliability of this

[[Page 696]]

transportation system. The globalization of our economy demands more 
efficient shipping if we are to remain competitive. The growth in 
passenger traffic spurred by an expanding economy requires new and 
better ways of enabling people to travel safely and conveniently. In an 
unpredictable world, our transportation system must be able to quickly 
move military and other equipment, humanitarian supplies, and people to 
meet the demands of emergencies and natural disasters throughout the 
world.
    All levels of government and industry are working together to ensure 
that our transportation system will continue to meet these challenges in 
the years to come. We must also continue to address the need for a 
cleaner environment and for sustainable communities, and we must ensure 
that transportation is available for people with special needs. This 
effort will require new technologies, advanced materials, improved 
operating practices and logistical systems, and other innovations.
    We must also strive to educate our youth in technology and 
transportation issues. The Department of Transportation has launched the 
Garrett A. Morgan Technology and Transportation Futures Program to 
pursue this important goal through math, science, and technology 
literacy programs, private-public education partnerships, and other 
initiatives. An African American, Garrett Morgan invented the traffic 
signal and is recognized as the father of our safe transportation 
technology program. He served as a model of public service and as a 
catalyst to enhance transportation education at all levels.
    This week, Americans honor the men and women who, like Garrett 
Morgan, have done and are doing so much to design, build, operate, and 
ensure the safety of our transportation system. We salute them for their 
contributions to our Nation and for helping to ensure that our 
transportation system remains the best in the world.
    In recognition of the millions of Americans who work every day to 
meet our transportation needs, the Congress, by joint resolution 
approved May 16, 1957 (36 U.S.C. 160), has designated the third Friday 
in May of each year as ``National Defense Transportation Day'' and, by 
joint resolution approved May 14, 1962 (36 U.S.C. 166), declared that 
the week in which that Friday falls be designated ``National 
Transportation Week.''
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 16, 1997, as National 
Defense Transportation Day and May 11 through May 17, 1997, as National 
Transportation Week. I urge all Americans to observe these occasions 
with appropriate ceremonies and activities, giving due recognition to 
the individuals and organizations that build, operate, safeguard, and 
maintain this country's modern transportation system.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of 
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
twenty-first.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:46 a.m., May 12, 
1997]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 10, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
13.