National Maritime Day Proclamations 1975 to 1976 by President Gerald Ford honor American Merchant Marine

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1975

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1976

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1975 by President Gerald Ford of the United States of America

Trade and commerce, which helped to stimulate our Nation's economic growth, continue to be vital to the welfare of all Americans.

The American merchant marine is now being assisted by the largest peacetime shipbuilding program ever undertaken in this country. This will enable America's imports and exports to be moved efficiently over the world's trade routes.

The ships of highly advanced designs coming down the ways will greatly improve the competitiveness and capabilities of our merchant fleet. They will restore the United States to the rank of a first-class maritime power.

To promote public recognition of the importance of the American merchant marine, the Congress in 1933 designated the anniversary of the beginning of the first transatlantic voyage by a steamship, The SAVANNAH, on May 22, 1819, as National Maritime Day, and re-quested the President to issue a proclamation annually in observance of that day (48 Stat. 73, 36 U.S.C. 145).

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby urge the people of the United States to honor our American merchant marine on May 22, 1975, by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and other suitable places, and I request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred ninety-ninth.

Gerald Ford

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1976 by President Gerald Ford of the United States of America

Maritime enterprise is one of the keystones upon which America's economic strength has developed. The spirit and vitality of this great Nation have been linked with the sea for more than 200 years. As we celebrate this Bicentennial year, all Americans should be aware of our proud maritime heritage.

After winning independence, the Founding Fathers considered shipping and trade so crucial to the survival of the new Nation that five of the initial acts passed by the first Congress were designed to foster American trade and maritime development.

Over the years, in war and peace, the American merchant marine has served the Nation. Today, in its position of world leadership, the United States continues to rely on its maritime industries. Shipping, shipbuilding, and the vast flow of trade through our ports contribute to the Nation's economic development and security.

To promote public awareness of our maritime heritage, the Congress, in 1933 (48 Stat. 73, 36 U.S.C. 145) designated the anniversary of the first transatlantic voyage by a steamship, the SS SAVANNAH, on May 22, 1819, as National Maritime Day, and requested the President to issue a proclamation annually in observance of that day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GERALD R. FORD, President of the United States of America, do hereby urge the people of the United States to honor our American merchant marine on May 22, 1976, by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and other suitable places, and I request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundredth.

Gerald Ford

Maritime Day Proclamations by President Jimmy Carter
Maritime Day Proclamations and Celebrations
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Maritime Day Proclamations courtesy Gerald Ford Presidential Library

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