National Maritime Day, 2008

Proclamation 8259 of May 21, 2008

National Maritime Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On National Maritime Day, America honors our highly
skilled mariners who sail the high seas, support those
on the front lines of the war on terror, and promote
commerce around the world.

Since 1775, the United States Merchant Marine has
served our country, helping America become a great
maritime power. During the Second World War, courageous
mariners were among those who suffered greatly--
hundreds of ships were lost to enemy action, and many
mariners made the ultimate sacrifice. We pay tribute to
these heroes who answered the call to serve when our
Nation needed them most. Today, our merchant mariners
continue to protect our homeland, including by
supporting our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In times of peace and war, these brave patriots help
keep our Nation safe and strengthen our economy. By
transporting American goods across the oceans, merchant
mariners facilitate commerce and advance trade. These
Americans honor the noble traditions of seafarers and
enrich our country's maritime heritage.

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,
2008, 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
twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.