National Maritime Day, 2004

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7789 of May 21, 2004

National Maritime Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

National Maritime Day provides an opportunity to
recognize the men and women of the United States
Merchant Marine and their contributions to our national
security and economic strength.

Since they first offered their ships and services to
assist the Continental Navy in our struggle for
independence, to their distinguished service in World
War II, merchant mariners have courageously sacrificed
to protect our country and defend our freedoms. In
1936, America recognized the contributions of these
patriots and established the U.S. Merchant Marine ``as
a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or
national emergency.'' Today, merchant mariners are
delivering essential supplies and equipment to our
troops in Iraq and bravely serving the cause of
liberty. They continue to play an important role in our
Nation's efforts to advance democracy, peace, and
freedom around the world, and we are grateful for their
dedication.

Merchant mariners also contribute significantly to the
U.S. maritime transportation system. More than 95
percent of non-North American trade enters our country
through our seaports. These ports handle more than $740
billion and 2 billion tons of domestic and
international freight each year. Those in the maritime
industry, including merchant mariners, enhance
waterborne commerce and help promote America's economic
growth.

Today, we honor the courage, determination, and service
of our Nation's merchant mariners and remember the many
who have given their lives in defense of our country.
Their work reflects the patriotism and devotion to duty
that make America great.

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,
2004, 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
twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B