[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 20 (Monday, May 21, 2001)]
[Pages 756-757]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7439--National Defense Transportation Day and National 
Transportation Week, 2001

May 16, 2001

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's achievements in transportation have helped lay the 
foundation for our strength and prosperity. As our Nation moves forward 
into the 21st century, we celebrate how modern transportation has 
transformed the world and recognize the many men and women who have 
contributed to its development and advancement.
    Whether traveling by road, rail, water, or air, Americans can choose 
among a large number of options in reaching their destinations. But 
beyond moving people, our diverse transportation system also makes 
possible the delivery of countless products throughout the country. 
Whether intended for individuals, private organizations, government 
agencies, or merchants, the shipment and transfer of these goods helps 
to generate and sustain the economic growth that benefits us all.
    Our transportation system also contributes vitally to the security 
of the United States. From the early days of the merchant marine at the 
time of our Nation's founding, to the latest in 21st century aircraft, 
our diverse methods of transportation have moved troops and carried 
defense cargo quickly and efficiently both in peacetime and in war.
    To meet America's future needs, our Nation must take advantage of 
scientific and technological innovation to improve existing 
transportation systems and develop new ones. We must strive to enhance 
their reliability and efficiency and close the gap between the demand 
for transportation and the capacity of the transportation 
infrastructure.
    At the same time, safety will always remain our top priority. 
Investments in transportation must contribute to the security of the 
traveling public and improve access for all Americans. Our efforts to 
modify and strengthen transportation systems must also safeguard the 
environment and use energy wisely. Through these measures, we can 
conserve our precious natural resources and reinforce the transportation 
infrastructure our Nation needs to thrive in a dynamic and competitive 
world.
    To recognize the men and women who work in transportation and 
thereby contribute to our Nation's well-being, defense, and progress, 
the United States Congress, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957 
(36 U.S.C. 120) 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. 133), declared that the week during 
which that Friday falls be designated ``National Transportation Week.''

[[Page 757]]

    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 18, 2001, as National Defense 
Transportation Day and May 13 through May 19, 2001, as National 
Transportation Week. I urge all Americans to recognize how our modern 
transportation system has enhanced our economy and contributed to our 
quality of life.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
fifth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 18, 
2001]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 17, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
21.