For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 21, 2003
National Maritime Day, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Today, as in the past, America depends on our maritime services to
help ensure our security, promote our prosperity, and advance the
universal hope of freedom. We honor the service and proud history of
our merchant mariners and also recognize their important contributions
in strengthening our economy.
For generations, merchant marines and commercial sailors have
assisted in the defense of our Nation. Most recently, more than 5,000
merchant mariners supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi
Freedom by serving aboard 157 ships moving essential supplies to our
troops. As they continue to support our troops in the ongoing war on
terror, their mission continues to be dangerous and difficult, and
remains vital to our efforts to defend the peace.
We also remember the vital role the Merchant Marine has played in
past conflicts. More than 6,000 merchant mariners lost their lives
during World War II, and more than 700 U.S. merchant ships were lost.
Even before the United States declared war, merchant mariners were
making perilous runs to Europe with desperately needed supplies.
President Franklin Roosevelt, the first President to issue a
proclamation honoring merchant mariners, wrote of their role during
wartime: "They have delivered the goods when and where needed in every
theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most
difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken." We are
grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of America's merchant
mariners before and after World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian
Gulf, and around the world today.
In addition to their efforts to support our troops, merchant
marines play a vital role in moving the goods that we produce around
the United States and throughout the world. Their work provides jobs
and economic benefits to our country, and strengthens our economy. By
operating as the eyes and ears of America at sea, they also help
protect our homeland.
In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the
Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has
designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has
authorized and requested that the President issue an annual
proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2003, as National Maritime Day.
I call upon the people of the
United States to celebrate 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-first
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-seventh.
GEORGE W. BUSH
# # #
|