For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 10, 2002
National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2002
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
The importance of America's transportation system became evident to
all Americans on September 11, 2001. Airliners were diverted, airports
closed, and travelers were stranded for days as transportation systems
across the country were disrupted. In the aftermath of September 11,
the men and women in the transportation industry have helped restore
function and trust to a system that was traumatized. Today, Americans
and America's goods and services are being more safely moved to their
destinations, as our communities continue the process of important
restructuring.
We have helped secure our transportation system with the passage of
the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, which greatly enhanced
the protections for America's passengers and goods. And we are
determined to ensure that Americans have the transportation system and
mobility that is necessary for a vibrant economy and meaningful quality
of life.
We live in a time of unprecedented travel, when goods and services,
regardless of origin, can be available in a short amount of time.
Thanks to imagination, innovation, and investment in transportation, we
can safely commute to work, receive overnight mail, buy fresh fruit and
vegetables, and travel with relative ease to destinations around the
world. We also continue to make progress in developing a
transportation system that offers choices and protects the environment
through cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles and new, environmentally
sound infrastructure.
To recognize Americans who work in transportation and who
contribute to our Nation's prosperity, defense, and progress, the
United States Congress, by joint resolution approved May 16, 1957, as
amended, (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, as amended, (36 U.S.C. 133), declared
that the week during which that Friday falls be designated as "National
Transportation Week."
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 17, 2002, as National
Defense Transportation Day and May 12 through May 18, 2002, as National
Transportation Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize how our
modern transportation system has enhanced our economy and contributed
to our freedom.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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