    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 21 (Monday, May 28, 2001)]
    [Pages 783-784]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Proclamation 7442--National Maritime Day, 2001

     May 18, 2001

     By the President of the United States

     of America

     A Proclamation

        Throughout our history, America's economic prosperity has been
    closely tied to its maritime geography. From indigenous peoples
    navigating our majestic rivers to colonists settling along the New
    World's eastern shores, natives and immigrants alike have relied on the
    sea and our bountiful inland waterways for commerce and security.
        In colonial days and in the 19th century, America's maritime
    industries facilitated the exchange of goods and the migration of
    pioneers. During World War II, some 6,000 American seafarers and more
    than 700 U.S. merchant ships fell to enemy action, many in the infamous
    Run to Murmansk. No branch of our Armed Forces, save the Marine Corps,
    suffered a higher casualty rate. Today, our Merchant Marine continues
    this proud tradition.
        As recently as the Persian Gulf War and during humanitarian and
    military operations since, a unique partnership of Government, industry,
    and labor has continued its vital maritime service to our Nation. Many
    civilian merchant mariners crew the Maritime Administration's Ready
    Reserve Force, which is observing its 25th anniversary.
        Today, the U.S. maritime fleet has decreased in the number of
    vessels in the international trades, but it transports goods more
    efficiently and economically than ever before. These U.S. ships deliver
    a billion tons of imports and exports each year in our foreign trade and
    another billion tons of waterborne domestic trade. Many merchant
    seafarers are trained at outstanding institutions such as the U.S.
    Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, the six State maritime
    academies, and several union and industry training facilities.
        To help ensure continued competitiveness, we must tailor our
    maritime policy to the challenges of the 21st century. America's Marine
    Transportation System will help determine our long-term economic health
    and improve our ability to respond quickly and effectively in crisis.
    Within the next 2 decades, cargo will double. Accordingly, my
    Administration is working with Government agencies, the maritime
    industry, shippers, labor unions, and environmental groups to ensure
    that our waterways continue to serve as a sound transportation option in
    the face of ever-growing congestion on highways and rail lines.
        In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the
    Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, has designated
    May 22 of each year as ``National Maritime Day'' and has authorized and
    requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for
    its appropriate observance.
        Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2001, as National
    Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to celebrate
    this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their
    homes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing

    [[Page 784]]

    under the American flag dress ship on that day.
        In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth 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 23,
    2001]

    Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on May 21, and it was published in the Federal Register on May
    24.