[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 21 (Monday, May 26, 1997)]
[Pages 755-756]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7005--National Maritime Day, 1997

May 21, 1997

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Throughout America's history--from the Revolutionary War to today's 
global challenges--our United States Merchant Marine has fulfilled its 
mission with patriotism and efficiency, transporting our Nation's 
cargoes in times of both peace and conflict. Our Merchant Marine has 
shown its mettle time and again during major United States military 
engagements, proving to be a crucial component in support of our Armed 
Forces' efforts to protect our national interests and defend our 
freedom. Today, we salute these skilled civilian seafarers, who continue 
to distinguish their profession and demonstrate their commitment to 
America's security through their unwavering support of our troops abroad 
in both peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
    History has taught us how important a nation's flag presence is on 
the high seas. Heeding the lessons of the past, the Congress and I 
reaffirmed our pledge for a strong U.S.-flag fleet when I signed into 
law the Maritime Security Act of 1996. This legislation sets the course 
for America's Merchant Marine into the 21st century, sustaining a strong 
sealift capability and bolstering national security. The Act will 
strengthen American maritime and allied industries, while energizing our 
efforts to further stimulate the economy through trade and commerce.
    As we look to the challenges of the future, we recognize the 
continuing importance of our U.S. domestic maritime fleet to the 
maintenance of our Nation's commercial and defense maritime interests. I 
commend the merchant mariners whose unstinting service has helped 
maintain both our domestic and our international U.S. fleets.
    In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the 
Congress, by a 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, 1997, as National Maritime 
Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities 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-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 8:45 a.m., May 22, 1997]

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

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