National Maritime Day, 2012

Vol. 77

Friday,

No. 102

May 25, 2012

Part III

The President

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Proclamation 8828--National Maritime Day, 2012

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 8828 of May 22, 2012

National Maritime Day, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For 237 years, the men and women of the United States
Merchant Marine have risen to meet our country's call.
They have strengthened our economy and our security in
times of calm and conflict, connecting our service
members to the supplies they need and transporting our
exports into the global marketplace. On National
Maritime Day, we pay tribute to all those who have
served and sacrificed on our waterways and around the
world.

From privateers who bravely fought for American
independence to mariners who have supported our Armed
Forces for over two centuries, the United States
Merchant Marine carries forward an enduring legacy of
service to our Nation. In the War of 1812, mariners put
their lives on the line to preserve our young Republic,
engaging British warships with sloops and schooners off
our Atlantic coast. During World War II, they executed
perilous transits to support our troops in combat. And
throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, Merchant
Mariners have contributed to the defense of our Nation
by transporting essential cargo to ports across the
globe. Their commitment has helped deliver us through
periods of conflict, and their service will remain a
critical asset to our security in the years ahead.

Our maritime industry also sustains the robust domestic
and international trade networks that power our
economy. As we open up new markets for American exports
and support our businesses here at home, the United
States Merchant Marine will continue to play a vital
role in driving progress and prosperity in communities
across our country. Today, we commemorate that
important work, and we honor the mariners who dedicate
their lives to seeing it through.

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,
2012, 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
twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.