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Skriven 2005-05-19 23:32:56 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (0505195) for Thu, 2005 May 19
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National Maritime Day, 2005
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 19, 2005

National Maritime Day, 2005
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America



America's merchant mariners make our Nation more secure and our economy
stronger. Throughout our history, they have promoted commerce and protected
our freedom. On National Maritime Day, we honor the dedicated service of
the United States Merchant Marine.

Each year, the men and women of the U.S. maritime transportation system
move more than 2 billion tons of cargo along our waterways and across the
open seas. Many of the raw materials Americans purchase are transported by
merchant vessels, and merchant mariners ship agricultural products and
finished goods in and out of the United States every day.

Merchant mariners have also served in every conflict in our Nation's
history. The U.S. Merchant Marine helps provide our Nation's Armed Forces
with crucial supplies and equipment. These brave men and women demonstrate
courage, love of country, and devotion to duty, and we especially honor
those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation. The
United States is safer and the world is more peaceful because of the work
of our merchant mariners, and we are grateful for their service.

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, 2005, 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 nineteenth day of May,
in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty ninth.

GEORGE W. BUSH

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