[Federal Register: May 21, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 98)]
[Presidential Documents]               
[Page 28047-28048]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21my01-149]                         



                        Presidential Documents 




[[Page 28047]]


                Proclamation 7439 of May 16, 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 transportation 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.

[[Page 28048]]

                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.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 01-12967
Filed 5-18-01; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P