[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 22 (Monday, May 31, 2004)]
[Page 941]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7789--National Maritime Day, 2004

 May 21, 2004

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    National Maritime Day provides an opportunity to recognize the men 
and women of the United States Merchant Marine and their contributions 
to our national security and economic strength.
    Since they first offered their ships and services to assist the 
Continental Navy in our struggle for independence, to their 
distinguished service in World War II, merchant mariners have 
courageously sacrificed to protect our country and defend our freedoms. 
In 1936, America recognized the contributions of these patriots and 
established the U.S. Merchant Marine ``as a naval or military auxiliary 
in time of war or national emergency.'' Today, merchant mariners are 
delivering essential supplies and equipment to our troops in Iraq and 
bravely serving the cause of liberty. They continue to play an important 
role in our Nation's efforts to advance democracy, peace, and freedom 
around the world, and we are grateful for their dedication.
    Merchant mariners also contribute significantly to the U.S. maritime 
transportation system. More than 95 percent of non-North American trade 
enters our country through our seaports. These ports handle more than 
$740 billion and 2 billion tons of domestic and international freight 
each year. Those in the maritime industry, including merchant mariners, 
enhance waterborne commerce and help promote America's economic growth.
    Today, we honor the courage, determination, and service of our 
Nation's merchant mariners and remember the many who have given their 
lives in defense of our country. Their work reflects the patriotism and 
devotion to duty that make America great.
    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, 2004, 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 four, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 25, 2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 26. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.