National Maritime Day, 2007

Proclamation 8148 of May 18, 2007

National Maritime Day, 2007

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America has a proud maritime history, and the United
States Merchant Marine has played a vital role in
helping meet our country's economic and national
security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor
merchant mariners for their dedication to promoting
commerce and protecting our freedom.

During times of peace, the U.S. Merchant Marine helps
ensure our economic security by keeping the oceans open
to trade. Ships operated by merchant mariners transport
goods across our Nation's waterways and on the high
seas around the world to connect American businesses
and consumers with valuable foreign markets and
commodities. The skill and expertise of merchant
mariners facilitates trade and helps to strengthen our
economy.

In times of war, the Merchant Marine is the lifeline of
our troops overseas. By carrying critical supplies,
equipment, and personnel, merchant mariners provide
essential support to our Armed Forces and help advance
the cause of freedom. Today, merchant mariners are
supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and
their devotion to duty is a tribute to the generations
of men and women who have served our Nation with
courage and determination in every conflict in
America's history. On this day, and throughout the
year, America is grateful for their service.

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,
2007, 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
eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.