National Maritime Day, 2015

Vol. 80

Tuesday,

No. 100

May 26, 2015

Part III

The President

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Proclamation 9285--National Maritime Day, 2015

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 9285 of May 20, 2015

National Maritime Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For over two centuries, proud mariners have set sail in
defense of our people and in pursuit of opportunity.
Through periods of conflict and times of peace, our
Nation has relied on the United States Merchant Marine
to transport goods to and from our shores and deliver
troops and supplies around the world. On National
Maritime Day, we honor the women and men who take to
the seas to boost our economy and uphold the values we
cherish.

Our Nation is forever indebted to the brave privateers
who helped secure our independence, fearlessly
supplying our Revolutionary forces with muskets and
ammunition. Throughout history, their legacy has been
carried forward by courageous seafarers who have
faithfully served our Nation as part of the United
States Merchant Marine--bold individuals who emerged
triumphant in the face of attacks from the British
fleet in the War of 1812, and who empowered the Allied
forces as they navigated perilous waters during World
War II. Today, patriots who share their spirit continue
to stand ready to protect our seas and the livelihoods
they support.

Ninety percent of the world's commerce moves by sea,
and businesses across our country rely on domestic and
international trade every day. Helping to protect our
vital shipping routes, Merchant Mariners are critical
to our effort to combat piracy and uphold the maritime
security on which the global supply chain relies. And
in times of war or national emergency, they bolster our
national security as a ``fourth arm of defense.''
Whether transporting commercial goods or military
equipment, battling tough weather or enemy fire, they
strive and sacrifice to secure a brighter future for
all Americans. On this day, we reaffirm the importance
of their contributions and salute all those who serve
this noble cause.

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,
2015, 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
twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-ninth.