National Maritime Day, 1996

Proclamation 6900 of May 21, 1996

National Maritime Day, 1996

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The men and women of the United States Merchant Marine
stand prepared to help our Nation in times of crisis.
Their outstanding professionalism and performance have
been manifest throughout America's proud history, most
recently in the Persian Gulf, Haiti, and Somalia.
Today, these brave individuals continue to bring honor
to the maritime community and to our country through
their steadfast service to our troops in Bosnia.

Those working on and in support of U.S. vessels play
another important role by strengthening our economy.
Every day, merchant ships carry the Nation's domestic
and foreign commerce, acting as an integral part of our
seamless transportation system. Those aboard go to sea
to move American goods and materials, to help provide
aid and comfort to others around the world, and, when
necessary, to defend our interests and to seek
international peace.

The Maritime Security Program legislation currently
before the Congress will preserve a strong sealift
capability so that critical military cargoes can reach
American troops and our allies abroad as they strive to
fulfill their peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.
It will protect American jobs and foster our efforts to
expand international trade. In standing behind this
important measure, we affirm our commitment to
maintaining a strong U.S.-flag presence on the high
seas for our continued national security and economic
growth.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant
Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved
May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as
``National Maritime Day'' and has authorized and
requested the President to issue annually a
proclamation calling for its observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22,
1996, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate ceremonies,
activities, and programs 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
nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twentieth.