[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 20 (Monday, May 22, 2006)]
[Pages 923-924]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8016--National Defense Transportation Day and National 
Transportation Week, 2006

 May 12, 2006

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On National Defense Transportation Day and during National 
Transportation Week, we thank all those who contribute to a sound 
transportation infrastructure that keeps our country moving, advances 
our economic growth, and strengthens our national defense.
    President Dwight D. Eisenhower recognized the importance of having 
the world's most efficient and reliable transportation system. In a 
message to the Congress, he wrote of ``a vast system of inter-connected 
highways criss-crossing the Country and joining at our national borders 
with friendly neighbors to the north and south.'' Fifty years after he 
signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the Interstate Highway 
System is a vital part of America's transportation infrastructure.
    My Administration remains committed to providing the American people 
with the best possible transportation system. In August 2005, I signed 
the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity 
Act: A Legacy for Users, to upgrade our Nation's network of roads, 
bridges, and mass transit systems, introduce new safety standards, and 
fund needed road improvements that will ease traffic congestion in 
communities across our country. My Administration is also increasing 
research in advanced transportation technologies that will improve our 
environment, help us end our reliance on foreign sources of energy, and 
strengthen our economic and national security.
    Modern transportation also enables our Armed Forces to quickly 
deploy troops, move crucial supplies and equipment, and assist with 
emergency situations. Whether on land, over water, or in the air, our 
citizens rely on the safety and efficiency of our transportation systems 
to arrive at work, deliver goods and services, and travel with family 
and friends. America is grateful to the dedicated transportation 
professionals and military service members for their tireless efforts to 
make America's transportation network the best in the world.
    To recognize the men and women who work in the transportation 
industry and who contribute to our Nation's well being and defense, the 
Congress, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957, as amended (36 
U.S.C. 120), has designated the third Friday in May 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 19, 2006, as National Defense 
Transportation Day and May 14 through May 20, 2006, as National 
Transportation Week. I encourage all Americans to learn how our modern 
transportation system contributes to the security of our citizens and 
the prosperity of our country and to celebrate these observances with 
appropriate ceremonies and activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of 
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence 
of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 16, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 17. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.

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