For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 17, 2001
National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2001
By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
America's achievements in transportation have
helped lay the foundation for our strength and
prosperity. As our Nation moves forward into the 21st
century, we celebrate how modern transportation has transformed the
world and recognize the many men and women who have contributed to its
development and advancement.
Whether traveling by road, rail, water, or
air, Americans can choose among a large number of options in reaching
their destinations. But beyond moving people, our diverse
transpor-tation system also makes possible the delivery of countless
products throughout the country. Whether intended for
individuals, private organizations, government agencies, or merchants,
the shipment and transfer of these goods helps to generate and sustain
the economic growth that benefits us all.
Our transportation system also contributes
vitally to the security of the United States. From the early
days of the merchant marine at the time of our Nation's founding, to
the latest in 21st century aircraft, our diverse methods of
transportation have moved troops and carried defense cargo quickly and
efficiently both in peacetime and in war.
To meet America's future needs, our Nation
must take advantage of scientific and technological innovation to
improve existing transportation systems and develop new
ones. We must strive to enhance their reliability and
efficiency and close the gap between the demand for transportation and
the capacity of the transportation infrastructure.
At the same time, safety will always remain
our top priority. Investments in transportation must contribute to the
security of the traveling public and improve access for all
Americans. Our efforts to modify and strengthen
transportation systems must also safeguard the environment and use
energy wisely. Through these measures, we can conserve our
precious natural resources and reinforce the transportation
infrastructure our Nation needs to thrive in a dynamic and competitive
world.
To recognize the men and women who work in
transportation and thereby contribute to our Nation's well-being,
defense, and progress, the United States Congress, by joint resolution
approved May 16, 1957 (36 U.S.C. 120) has designated the third Friday
in May of each year as "National Defense Transportation Day," and, by
joint resolution approved May 14, 1962 (36 U.S.C. 133), declared that
the week during which that Friday falls be designated "National
Transportation Week."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President
of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 18,
2001, as National Defense Transportation Day and May 13 through May 19,
2001, as National Transportation Week. I urge all Americans
to recognize how our modern transportation system has enhanced our
economy and contributed to our quality of life.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my
hand this sixteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand
one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-fifth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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