National Maritime Day, 2011

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8678 of May 18, 2011

National Maritime Day, 2011

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In times of peace or war, the civilians serving in the
United States Merchant Marine have helped keep our
Nation safe and prosperous. We depend on these men and
women serving on our ships and tugs, in our ports and
shipyards, close to home or far at sea, to connect
businesses, service members, and citizens around the
world. On National Maritime Day, we honor their
invaluable contributions to America's economic strength
and security.

On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah completed the first
successful voyage by a steam powered ship across the
Atlantic, shepherding in a new age of maritime travel
and transport. By the 20th century, the United States
maritime trade was booming, fostering exchanges across
the world and aiding our military at war. During World
War II, Merchant Marines were critical in providing
necessary supplies and services to troops abroad, while
suffering an extraordinarily high death rate. Hundreds
of merchant ships fell to enemy action, and nearly one
in thirty mariners did not return home.

United States flag vessels and those who operate them
continue to be an integral part of our military
operations overseas. They support operations in Iraq
and Afghanistan, as well as humanitarian aid missions
and disaster relief efforts. Without the steadfast
commitment of our mariners, our Nation would not be as
prepared to deal with unforeseen events, conflicts, or
crises. Their bravery and valor make our waterways
safer and more efficient every day.

Today, our maritime industry is a valuable source of
skilled employment for American workers, contributing
billions of dollars to our economy. It is also a
critical part of our transportation system. Last year,
my Administration implemented ``America's Marine
Highway Program,'' an effort that enables American
businesses to participate in improving the safety and
environmental sustainability of our waterways. Our
mariners' continued work is helping American industry
remain competitive in the global economy, pushing us
toward a more prosperous and free 21st century.

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,
2011, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people
of the United States to mark 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 eleven, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.