[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 21 (Monday, May 28, 2007)]
[Pages 657-658]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8148--National Maritime Day, 2007

 May 18, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America has a proud maritime history, and the United States Merchant 
Marine has played a vital role in helping meet our country's economic 
and national security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant 
mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting our 
free-dom.

[[Page 658]]

    During times of peace, the U.S. Merchant Marine helps ensure our 
economic security by keeping the oceans open to trade. Ships operated by 
merchant mariners transport goods across our Nation's waterways and on 
the high seas around the world to connect American businesses and 
consumers with valuable foreign markets and commodities. The skill and 
expertise of merchant mariners facilitates trade and helps to strengthen 
our economy.
    In times of war, the Merchant Marine is the lifeline of our troops 
overseas. By carrying critical supplies, equipment, and personnel, 
merchant mariners provide essential support to our Armed Forces and help 
advance the cause of freedom. Today, merchant mariners are supporting 
operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and their devotion to duty is a 
tribute to the generations of men and women who have served our Nation 
with courage and determination in every conflict in America's history. 
On this day, and throughout the year, America is grateful for their 
service.
    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, 2007, as National Maritime Day. I 
call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance by 
honoring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying 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 eighteenth day 
of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., May 22, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on May 23. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.