[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7565]

Proc. 7565

[[Page 97]]

Proclamation 7565 of May 21, 2002

National Maritime Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Our commercial maritime tradition dates back to the founding 
          of our Nation; and it continues to play an important role 
          today, moving passengers and freight, protecting our freedom, 
          and linking our citizens to the world.
          Merchant mariners have served America with distinction 
          throughout our history, but especially at critical moments. 
          Before World War II, they made dangerous and difficult voyages 
          carrying vital supplies to Europe. During that war, more than 
          700 United States merchant ships were lost to attack, and more 
          than 6,000 merchant mariners lost their lives. Merchant 
          mariners played a vital role in the Korean Conflict, 
          especially in the rescue of 14,000 Korean civilians by the SS 
          MEREDITH VICTORY. During the Vietnam War, ships crewed by 
          civilian seamen carried 95 percent of the supplies used by our 
          Armed Forces. Many of these ships sailed into combat zones 
          under fire. In fact, the SS MAYAGUEZ incident involved the 
          capture of mariners from the American merchant ship SS 
          MAYAGUEZ.
          More recently, during the Persian Gulf War merchant mariners 
          were vital to the largest sealift operation since D-Day. And 
          after the tragic attacks of September 11th, professional 
          merchant mariners and midshipmen from the United States 
          Merchant Marine Academy transported personnel and equipment 
          and moved food and supplies to lower Manhattan. Their efforts 
          enhanced rescue operations and helped save many lives.
          Today, the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine 
          and thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime 
          industry continue to make immeasurable contributions to our 
          economic strength and our ongoing efforts to build a more 
          peaceful world. We must ensure our maritime system can meet 
          the challenges of the 21st century. As cargo volume is 
          expected to double within the next 20 years, a viable maritime 
          network will help our country compete in our global economy.
          Accordingly, my Administration is working with government 
          agencies, the shipping industry, labor, and environmental 
          groups to ensure that our waterways remain a sound 
          transportation option that complements our overland 
          transportation network.
          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, 2002, 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.

[[Page 98]]

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-
          first 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