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Skriven 2006-05-19 23:33:58 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0605195) for Fri, 2006 May 19
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National Maritime Day, 2006
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 19, 2006

National Maritime Day, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America



The United States Merchant Marine plays an important role in ensuring our
national security and strengthening our economy. As we celebrate National
Maritime Day and the 70th anniversary of the Merchant Marine Act, we pay
tribute to merchant mariners and their faithful service to our Nation.

Since 1775, merchant mariners have bravely served our country, and in 1936,
the Merchant Marine Act officially established their role in our military
as a wartime naval auxiliary. During World War II, merchant mariners were
critical to the delivery of troops and supplies overseas, and they helped
keep vital ocean supply lines operating. President Franklin D. Roosevelt
praised these brave merchant mariners for persevering "despite the perils
of the submarine, the dive bomber, and the surface raider." Today's
merchant mariners follow those who courageously served before them as they
continue to provide crucial support for our Nation's service men and women.
America is grateful for their commitment to excellence and devotion to
duty.

In addition to helping defend our country, merchant mariners facilitate
commerce by importing and exporting goods throughout the world. They work
with our Nation's transportation industry to share their valuable skills
and experience in ship maintenance, navigation, and cargo transportation.
This past year, the good work and compassion of merchant mariners also
played an important role in hurricane relief efforts. Ships brought
urgently needed supplies to the devastated areas, provided assistance for
oil spill cleanup, generated electricity, and provided meals and lodging
for recovery workers and evacuees.

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, 2006, as National Maritime Day. I call
upon all the people of the United States to mark this observance by
honoring the service of

merchant mariners and by displaying 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 nineteenth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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