National Maritime Day, 2009

Proclamation 8384 of May 20, 2009

National Maritime Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of
security and prosperity. Bounded by two oceans and the
Gulf of Mexico, and criss-crossed by a myriad of inland
waterways, America's destiny as a maritime nation was a
story foretold.

The Merchant Marine took up arms alongside the
Continental Navy to help defeat the British Navy during
the American Revolution. Since then, they have served
bravely as the United States has faced threats ranging
from war to piracy, and our seafaring fleet has proven
instrumental in protecting our safety. In times of
conflict and crisis, the Armed Forces rely on the
Merchant Marine's sealift capability to transport
critical equipment and supplies. Time and again,
mariners have demonstrated their willingness and
ability to meet daunting challenges.

Waterways have also enabled much of the commerce that
has expanded America's economy. Domestic and
international commerce occurred along rivers and coasts
even before our Nation's birth. Great cities have
sprouted near waterways, and maritime activity remains
crucial to our economy today.

The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the
many other workers who have supported the maritime
industry have made significant contributions to our
leadership in the global marketplace, and to our
security.

On this National Maritime Day, we also mark the opening
of a permanent exhibition at the Smithsonian
Institution, ``On the Water.'' It demonstrates the
importance of the maritime industry and chronicles our
history as a maritime nation.

The Congress, by a joint 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 appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22,
2009, 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
twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.