National Maritime Day, 2006

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8021 of May 19, 2006

National Maritime Day, 2006

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

The United States Merchant Marine plays an important
role in ensuring our national security and
strengthening our economy. As we celebrate National
Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant
Marine Act, we pay tribute to merchant mariners and
their faithful service to our Nation.

Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our
country, and in 1936, the Merchant Marine Act
officially established their role in our military as a
wartime naval auxiliary. During World War II, merchant
mariners were critical to the delivery of troops and
supplies overseas, and they helped keep vital ocean
supply lines operating. President Franklin D. Roosevelt
praised these brave merchant mariners for persevering
``despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber,
and the surface raider.'' Today's merchant mariners
follow those who courageously served before them as
they continue to provide crucial support for our
Nation's service men and women. America is grateful for
their commitment to excellence and devotion to duty.

In addition to helping defend our country, merchant
mariners facilitate commerce by importing and exporting
goods throughout the world. They work with our Nation's
transportation industry to share their valuable skills
and experience in ship maintenance, navigation, and
cargo transportation. This past year, the good work and
compassion of merchant mariners also played an
important role in hurricane relief efforts. Ships
brought urgently needed supplies to the devastated
areas, provided assistance for oil spill cleanup,
generated electricity, and provided meals and lodging
for recovery workers and evacuees.

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,
2006, as National Maritime Day. I call upon all 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
nineteenth 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B