[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 21 (Monday, May 26, 2003)]
[Page 640]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7680--National Maritime Day, 2003

 May 21, 2003

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Today, as in the past, America depends on our maritime services to 
help ensure our security, promote our prosperity, and advance the 
universal hope of freedom. We honor the service and proud history of our 
merchant mariners and also recognize their important contributions in 
strengthening our economy.
    For generations, merchant marines and commercial sailors have 
assisted in the defense of our Nation. Most recently, more than 5,000 
merchant mariners supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi 
Freedom by serving aboard 157 ships moving essential supplies to our 
troops. As they continue to support our troops in the ongoing war on 
terror, their mission continues to be dangerous and difficult, and 
remains vital to our efforts to defend the peace.
    We also remember the vital role the Merchant Marine has played in 
past conflicts. More than 6,000 merchant mariners lost their lives 
during World War II, and more than 700 U.S. merchant ships were lost. 
Even before the United States declared war, merchant mariners were 
making perilous runs to Europe with desperately needed supplies. 
President Franklin Roosevelt, the first President to issue a 
proclamation honoring merchant mariners, wrote of their role during 
wartime: ``They have delivered the goods when and where needed in every 
theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most 
difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken.'' We are 
grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of America's merchant 
mariners before and after World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian 
Gulf, and around the world today.
    In addition to their efforts to support our troops, merchant marines 
play a vital role in moving the goods that we produce around the United 
States and throughout the world. Their work provides jobs and economic 
benefits to our country, and strengthens our economy. By operating as 
the eyes and ears of America at sea, they also help protect our 
homeland.
    In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the 
Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, 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, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2003, 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 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 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 23, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
27.