REMARKS FOR
THE HONORABLE MARY PETERS
SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY OBSERVANCE
WASHINGTON, D.C.
MAY 22, 2008
10 AM
Thank you, Shannon Russell, for that kind introduction.
Senator Raptakis, I appreciate your being part of our ceremony today. You are an
inspiration. And let me add my personal thanks to Administrator Sean Connaughton
for all that you do to help preserve and extend our nation’s proud maritime
heritage.
As Susan Clark was singing that beautiful rendition of our national anthem, I
thought about its particular relevance to our Maritime Day celebration. Francis
Scott Key penned those moving words during the War of 1812. As you know, the
merchant marine played a central role in that conflict.
At the turn of the 19th Century, America didn’t have much of a Navy. So it fell
largely to merchant mariners to defend the rights of our young nation to freedom
of the seas and freedom of commerce. We may have been outgunned and outmanned,
but a combination of superior shipbuilding skills and superior seamanship by
those bold and daring mariners helped America carry the day in naval
engagements.
Indeed, America’s story could not be told without the many, many sacrifices and
contributions of merchant mariners.
Their early ships brought the settlers, possessions, and goods that helped build
the nation from the ground up.
Their spirit of enterprise staked out a place for the United States in global
commerce that continues as a mainstay of American prosperity to this day.
And their valor has ensured that our troops have the supplies and equipment they
need… no matter how far from America’s shores they must go to defend our freedom
and way of life.
From the War of 1812, to the Liberty ships of World War II, to today’s global
war on terror, every time our nation’s military has been called to protect U.S.
interests, America’s merchant mariners sailed alongside, or close behind.
These seafarers brave the natural dangers of the sea, as well as the perils of
war, so that our fighting forces have the food, fuel, ammunition, and supplies
to get the job done and return home safely.
Many a mariner has made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. Nearly
one in 30 merchant mariners who served in the Second World War did not come
back. No branch of our Armed Forces, save the Marine Corps, suffered a higher
casualty rate – and none suffered a higher death rate.
Today, our nation is once again engaged in a great global conflict. And once
again, our merchant mariners have answered the call. Among them are some 685
Kings Point midshipmen who have participated in the War on Terror before they
received their diplomas, serving on ships taking important cargo to our troops
in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Overall, more than 80 percent of the cargo moved to support our troops in the
Middle East travels aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels, including nearly 22
percent of that cargo aboard our Ready Reserve Force ships.
I know we have a number of veterans with us today, dating all the way back to
World War II. On behalf of President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and a grateful
nation, I want to extend a special welcome to you all and to express our deep
appreciation for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you.
Memorial Day weekend is approaching. There will be a National Moment of
Remembrance at 3 PM on Monday. I want to encourage everyone here to participate.
Please, take a moment out of your busy holiday activities to remember those
merchant mariners we honor today – and the many military and civilian heroes who
have given their lives in service to this great country.
The life of a mariner is a life of service.
It is a life defined by long, lonely periods at sea, punctuated with brief
reunions with family and loved ones.
It is a life filled with challenge, pitting the skill, training, and courage of
sailors against the full furies of nature.
Yet thankfully, in every generation, America has been blessed with men and women
willing to face the difficulties of life at sea in order to safeguard our
national security and promote our economic prosperity.
Today is no exception. Despite the hardships, a new generation of mariners is
eagerly training to take their place as sentries of the sea. Men and women like
Midshipman Katelin Robbins, who is with us today from Kings Point.
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy had almost 1700 applicants for the class of
2012 – one of the strongest applicant pools in recent memory – all eager to
receive the finest maritime training in the world.
I had the opportunity to join Senator John McCain as the Class of 2007 graduated
from Kings Point and received their orders. I can tell you that these dedicated
and courageous young people reflect the very best products of a maritime nation.
It is your example that inspires them, your shoulders that they stand upon, and
your legacy that they will extend as they navigate their careers.
As Theodore Roosevelt said in his final message to Congress: “To the spread of
our trade in peace and the defense of our flag in war a great and prosperous
merchant marine is indispensable.”
Those words ring as true today as they did a century earlier. So as we
commemorate Maritime Day 2008, I join Americans everywhere in saluting you for
your indispensable service, and wishing you fair winds and following seas.
Thank you.
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Briefing
Room
