[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]

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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.