National Maritime Day, 2022

Proclamation 10401 of May 20, 2022

National Maritime Day, 2022

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

From sea to shining sea, whether in still or raging
waters, America has always been a Nation of maritime
travel. Across our 25,000 miles of waterways and over
360 commercial ports, the United States Merchant Marine
is integral to our Nation's prosperity. From helping
move goods throughout the supply chain to supporting
our troops wherever they are deployed, the Merchant
Marine plays a vital role in the economic security and
defense of our country. On National Maritime Day and
every day, we honor the Merchant Marines for their
service and sacrifice and acknowledge their crucial
role in protecting our Nation's security and commerce.

Today, our Merchant Marine remains inextricably linked
to our national and economic security and
competitiveness. Merchant mariners' legacy of
perseverance and dedication is carried on by today's
civilian mariners. As tyranny and violence again cause
the tragic loss of innocent lives and senseless
destruction in Europe, our merchant mariners have
answered the call of duty by crewing vessels of our
United States Ready Reserve, moving vital military
cargo to help the Ukrainian people in their defense of
freedom.

We also salute the remarkable efforts of our entire
maritime industry throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
They put the well-being of the American people first,
risking their lives to ensure that essential cargoes of
medical supplies and personal protective equipment were
delivered to those in need across our Nation.

As we continue to build a better America, our Merchant
Marine plays a pivotal role in securing our coastal and
inland waterways so that they are open to trade. No
matter the hardship, mariners provide a smooth passage
for America's critical domestic goods and serve as
stewards of our Nation's trading gateways with the rest
of the world. My Administration continues its
unwavering support of the United States Merchant
Marine, as well as the Jones Act, which protects the
integrity of our domestic maritime industry, supports
hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contributes over
$150 billion in economic benefits.

We also know that the future success of the vital
maritime industry depends on its ability to attract the
talent of all Americans and reflect the diversity of
the Nation it serves. That is why we are resolved to
continue the urgent work of advancing diversity,
equity, and inclusion in the ranks of the Merchant
Marine and to end sexual assault, sexual harassment,
and bullying in the workplace.

Our Nation's merchant mariners serve with honor and
integrity each and every day. Today, we recognize their
service and sacrifice and recommit ourselves to
fulfilling the promises and uplifting the values that
they continue to protect.

The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20,
1933, has designated May 22 of each year as ``National
Maritime Day'' to commemorate the first transoceanic
voyage by a steamship in 1819 by the S.S. Savannah. By
this resolution, the Congress has authorized and
requested the President to issue annually a
proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

I also request that all ships sailing under the
American flag dress ship on that day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of
the United States of America, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws
of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2022,
as National Maritime Day. I call upon all Americans to
observe this day and to celebrate the United States
Merchant Marine and maritime industry with appropriate
programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty-two, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and forty-
sixth.