[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 21 (Monday, May 31, 1999)]
[Pages 963-964]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7199--National Maritime Day, 1999

May 21, 1999

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The history of the United States has always been linked to the sea. 
For more than 2 centuries, American ships and crews have made enormous 
contributions to the strength of our economy, the security of our 
shores, and the success of our efforts to create a more peaceful, 
prosperous world.
    Today's U.S. Merchant Marine is building on that rich maritime 
heritage. Our commercial ships and marine infrastructure--and the 
dedicated men and women who are part of our maritime industry and U.S. 
Merchant Marine--continue to meet the challenges and opportunities of a 
rapidly changing marketplace and the expanding globalization of trade. 
Our merchant fleet is a key component of our Nation's intermodal 
transportation system, carrying more than one billion tons of cargo 
between domestic ports and supporting our connection to overseas 
markets. The fleet helps facilitate our engagement in world affairs and 
helps protect U.S. national security interests.
    Recognizing that a strong America requires a strong merchant marine, 
my Administration has worked closely with the Congress to promote the 
development and maintenance of a modern, efficient, well-balanced 
merchant fleet, capable of facilitating international commerce and 
meeting the military needs of our Armed Forces during times of conflict 
or national emergency. Through the Maritime Security Program and the 
Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, which implement the Maritime 
Security Act of 1996, we have forged new public-private partnerships to 
ensure that our country will maintain a modern commercial fleet owned 
and operated by U.S. citizens and crewed by well-trained, highly skilled 
American sailors. We have strengthened U.S. shipyards

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through the National Shipbuilding Initiative. We also have helped keep 
our shipbuilding industry competitive in the global marketplace by 
providing financing guarantees, granting tax deferrals, and making it 
easier to operate ships under the U.S. flag.
    The United States Merchant Marine has served our Nation boldly and 
well through challenge and change. As we enter a new century, we must 
reaffirm our commitment to this proud legacy. We must maintain the 
strength and vitality of our merchant fleet and the skills and training 
of the men and women who have made America a great maritime Nation. By 
doing so, we will ensure that U.S.-flag vessels continue to sail the 
world's oceans, preserving our leadership of the global economy, 
strengthening our prosperity, and defending our freedom for generations 
to come.
    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, 1999, 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 in their homes and in their communities. I also request that all 
merchant 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-nine, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twenty-third.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 9:04 a.m., May 25, 1999]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 26. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.