[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 20 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Pages 578-579]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7676--National Defense Transportation Day and National 
Transportation Week, 2003

 May 9, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's transportation system takes us where we need to go, keeps 
our economy moving, and strengthens our Nation's security. On National 
Defense Transportation Day and during National Transportation Week, we 
celebrate how modern transportation has transformed the world and 
recognize the men and women who have contributed to its progress. We 
also renew our commitment to increasing transportation safety and to 
keeping our transportation system on the leading edge of technology.
    Our 21st century transportation system safely and securely 
transports our citizens and delivers a wide range of goods throughout 
the country and the world. In times of war, our transportation system 
also moves troops and carries defense cargo efficiently. Preserving and 
enhancing our transportation resources makes that infrastructure safer, 
facilitates growth in business and industry, creates jobs, secures our 
Nation, and improves the quality of life of our citizens.
    To sustain these advantages, we must continue to invest in our 
Nation's transportation systems. From enhancing existing highways, 
waterways, railway lines, pipelines, and airports, to developing fuel-
efficient and reduced-emissions vehicles, we must work towards improving 
safety, protecting the environment, and furthering our national defense. 
As part of these efforts, my Administration has announced a hydrogen 
fuel initiative to reverse America's growing dependence on foreign oil 
by developing the technology to produce commercially viable, hydrogen 
fuel cells, which will help power cars and trucks with no emissions of 
air pollution or greenhouse gases. This new national commitment could 
make it possible for the first car driven by a child born today to be 
powered by hydrogen, and be pollution-free.
    Through the newly created Department of Homeland Security, my 
Administration is working towards strengthening protections throughout 
our national transportation system. Designed to increase protections for 
America's citizens while maintaining the free flow of goods and people 
across our borders, our comprehensive national plan includes selective 
maritime restrictions, increased airport security, and improved railroad 
infrastructure security. We are also enforcing temporary flight 
restrictions and flying Combat Air Patrols over critical sites, 
increasing surveillance of hazardous material shipments within our 
country, and taking measures to keep hazardous materials away from 
places where large numbers of people gather. We are determined to defend 
the American homeland, and we will do all in our power to make sure our 
skies, rails, pipelines, waterways, and roads are safe from terror.
    To recognize the men and women who work in the transportation 
industry and who contribute to our Nation's well-being, and

[[Page 579]]

defense, the Congress, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957, as 
amended (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, as amended (36 U.S.C. 133), declared 
that the week during which that Friday falls be designated as ``National 
Transportation Week.''
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 16, 2003, as National Defense 
Transportation Day and May 11 through May 17, 2003, as National 
Transportation Week. I encourage all Americans to learn more about how 
our modern transportation system enhances our economy and contributes to 
our freedom.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 13, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 14. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.