National Maritime Day, 2002

Proclamation 7565 of May 21, 2002

National Maritime Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our commercial maritime tradition dates back to the
founding of our Nation; and it continues to play an
important role today, moving passengers and freight,
protecting our freedom, and linking our citizens to the
world.

Merchant mariners have served America with distinction
throughout our history, but especially at critical
moments. Before World War II, they made dangerous and
difficult voyages carrying vital supplies to Europe.
During that war, more than 700 United States merchant
ships were lost to attack, and more than 6,000 merchant
mariners lost their lives. Merchant mariners played a
vital role in the Korean Conflict, especially in the
rescue of 14,000 Korean civilians by the SS MEREDITH
VICTORY. During the Vietnam War, ships crewed by
civilian seamen carried 95 percent of the supplies used
by our Armed Forces. Many of these ships sailed into
combat zones under fire. In fact, the SS MAYAGUEZ
incident involved the capture of mariners from the
American merchant ship SS MAYAGUEZ.

More recently, during the Persian Gulf War merchant
mariners were vital to the largest sealift operation
since D-Day. And after the tragic attacks of September
11th, professional merchant mariners and midshipmen
from the United States Merchant Marine Academy
transported personnel and equipment and moved food and
supplies to lower Manhattan. Their efforts enhanced
rescue operations and helped save many lives.

Today, the men and women of the United States Merchant
Marine and thousands of other workers in our Nation's
maritime industry continue to make immeasurable
contributions to our economic strength and our ongoing
efforts to build a more peaceful world. We must ensure
our maritime system can meet the challenges of the 21st
century. As cargo volume is expected to double within
the next 20 years, a viable maritime network will help
our country compete in our global economy.

Accordingly, my Administration is working with
government agencies, the shipping industry, labor, and
environmental groups to ensure that our waterways
remain a sound transportation option that complements
our overland transportation network.

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,
2002, 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 two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B