National Maritime Day, 2001

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7442 of May 18, 2001

National Maritime Day, 2001

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Throughout our history, America's economic prosperity
has been closely tied to its maritime geography. From
indigenous peoples navigating our majestic rivers to
colonists settling along the New World's eastern
shores, natives and immigrants alike have relied on the
sea and our bountiful inland waterways for commerce and
security.

In colonial days and in the 19th century, America's
maritime industries facilitated the exchange of goods
and the migration of pioneers. During World War II,
some 6,000 American seafarers and more than 700 U.S.
merchant ships fell to enemy action, many in the
infamous Run to Murmansk. No branch of our Armed
Forces, save the Marine Corps, suffered a higher
casualty rate. Today, our Merchant Marine continues
this proud tradition.

As recently as the Persian Gulf War and during
humanitarian and military operations since, a unique
partnership of Government, industry, and labor has
continued its vital maritime service to our Nation.
Many civilian merchant mariners crew the Maritime
Administration's Ready Reserve Force, which is
observing its 25th anniversary.

Today, the U.S. maritime fleet has decreased in the
number of vessels in the international trades, but it
transports goods more efficiently and economically than
ever before. These U.S. ships deliver a billion tons of
imports and exports each year in our foreign trade and
another billion tons of waterborne domestic trade. Many
merchant seafarers are trained at outstanding
institutions such as the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
at Kings Point, New York, the six State maritime
academies, and several union and industry training
facilities.

To help ensure continued competitiveness, we must
tailor our maritime policy to the challenges of the
21st century. America's Marine Transportation System
will help determine our long-term economic health and
improve our ability to respond quickly and effectively
in crisis. Within the next 2 decades, cargo will
double. Accordingly, my Administration is working with
Government agencies, the maritime industry, shippers,
labor unions, and environmental groups to ensure that
our waterways continue to serve as a sound
transportation option in the face of ever-growing
congestion on highways and rail lines.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant
Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on
May 20, 1933, 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, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2001, as National
Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United
States to celebrate this observance and to display 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 one, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.

(Presidential Sig.)B