National Maritime Day, 1997

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Part VI

The President

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Proclamation 7005--National Maritime Day, 1997

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7005 of May 21, 1997

National Maritime Day, 1997

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout America's history--from the Revolutionary
War to today's global challenges--our United States
Merchant Marine has fulfilled its mission with
patriotism and efficiency, transporting our Nation's
cargoes in times of both peace and conflict. Our
Merchant Marine has shown its mettle time and again
during major United States military engagements,
proving to be a crucial component in support of our
Armed Forces' efforts to protect our national interests
and defend our freedom. Today, we salute these skilled
civilian seafarers, who continue to distinguish their
profession and demonstrate their commitment to
America's security through their unwavering support of
our troops abroad in both peacekeeping and humanitarian
operations.

History has taught us how important a nation's flag
presence is on the high seas. Heeding the lessons of
the past, the Congress and I reaffirmed our pledge for
a strong U.S.-flag fleet when I signed into law the
Maritime Security Act of 1996. This legislation sets
the course for America's Merchant Marine into the 21st
century, sustaining a strong sealift capability and
bolstering national security. The Act will strengthen
American maritime and allied industries, while
energizing our efforts to further stimulate the economy
through trade and commerce.

As we look to the challenges of the future, we
recognize the continuing importance of our U.S.
domestic maritime fleet to the maintenance of our
Nation's commercial and defense maritime interests. I
commend the merchant mariners whose unstinting service
has helped maintain both our domestic and our
international U.S. fleets.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant
Marine, the Congress, by a 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,
1997, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to
observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities 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-seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-first.