National Maritime Day Proclamations by President William Clinton honor American Merchant Marine

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1993

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1994

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1995

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1996

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1997

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1998

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1999

National Maritime Day Proclamation 2000

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1993 by the President of the United States of America

On May 22, 1819, the first transatlantic steamship voyage began when the SS Savannah left the U.S. port of Savannah, Georgia. Sixty years ago, in recognition of this historic voyage, President Franklin D. Roosevelt first called upon the American people to observe May 22 as National Maritime Day by displaying the American flag at their homes and other suitable places.

On National Maritime Day 50 years ago, the United States was engaged in a great World War. The United States merchant marine made victory possible by linking our production forces at home with our fighting forces overseas. Throughout our history, America's civilian seafarers have faithfully supported our military forces.

Thirty years ago, President John F. Kennedy cited the role of the American merchant marine in promoting world trade. ``Our ships and the men who man them stand ready to serve the Nation in any circumstance and in all conditions of peaceful commerce or national emergency,'' he said.

On National Maritime Day 15 years ago, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York, was preparing to become the first Federal service academy to grant diplomas to women. The women who have since graduated from our service academies contribute significantly to our Nation's economic and military strength.

Today, America's merchant ships continue to provide jobs and economic benefits for America. The men and women who sail those ships and who serve in supporting industries are prepared to support the Nation in times of crisis. I ask all Americans to join me in saluting them on National Maritime Day, 1993.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. merchant marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as ``National Maritime Day'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1993, as National Maritime Day. I urge the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and other suitable places. 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 twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventeenth.

William J. Clinton

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1994 by the President of the United States of America

Soon, our Nation and much of the world will pause to remember the historic events that took place 50 years ago--events that secured the freedom we have long enjoyed. As we honor the heroes of D-Day and World War II, it is fitting to include among them the civilian American merchant mariners who sailed in harm's way to supply the needs of our Allied fighting forces. More than 700 cargo ships and 6,000 seafarers were lost to enemy action. Their sacrifices were crucial to victory, as were the unparalleled efforts of American shipbuilding.

The world has changed in many ways in the last half century, but America remains a maritime Nation. We depend upon ocean vessels to transport the vast majority of our huge international trade, which continues to expand. We also consistently rely on sea power to support our military forces.

As we look to the future, it is vital to maintain an American presence in the movement of our international commerce and to retain the capability of building ships. During the past year, this Administration has proposed, and is implementing programs to ensure, the future of America's maritime industries.

Last October, we announced a five-step plan to strengthen the American shipbuilding industry and to make it more competitive in the international market. Our plan promotes innovative, standardized ship designs that will reduce costs through state-of-the-art technology and series production methods.

In March, we sent the Congress the Maritime Security and Trade Act of 1994. Its enactment will ensure that United States flag merchant ships will maintain their role in carrying a significant portion of our vast trade and that American ships and American seafarers will continue to provide reliable sealift support in national emergencies.

Our Nation is charting a new course, reinforcing our heritage as a great maritime power and supporting our interests as the world's leading international trader.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day'' and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1994, as National Maritime Day. I urge the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes and other appropriate places. 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 nineteen hundred and ninety-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eighteenth.

William J. Clinton

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1995 by the President of the United States of America

The United States owes much to our merchant sailors. At our Nation's beginning, these outstanding citizens opened new avenues of commerce and helped nurture a fledgling democracy into a beacon of freedom for people around the world. Since Franklin D. Roosevelt first proclaimed Maritime Day 62 years ago, the U.S. Merchant Marine has built on its legacy of patriotism. Its great tradition of courage and valor is an inspiration to all Americans.

This year we honor those who served and sacrificed for our Nation during World War II, the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine are a special source of pride. We will always remember the heroism of those mariners and the dangers they faced to protect our liberty.

America's Merchant Marine and civilian seafarers have put themselves at risk time and again to support our Armed Forces. They provided pivotal service during OPERATION DESERT STORM, during America's humanitarian mission in Somalia, and throughout OPERATION RESTORE DEMOCRACY in Haiti.

Today, our country remains determined to maintain a strong U.S. flag presence on the high seas, a commitment central to advancing our Nation's national and economic security. I urge Americans to join efforts in support of maritime revitalization legislation and our ongoing shipbuilding production program. Americans' pioneering spirit has endowed our Nation with the most innovative maritime technologies and the most skilled maritime labor force on Earth. Working together, we can preserve this critical advantage for generations to come.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20,1933, has designated May 22 of each year as ''National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22,1995, as National Maritime Day. I urge the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities 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 nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and nineteenth.

William J. Clinton

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1996 by the President of the United States of America

The men and women of the United States Merchant Marine stand prepared to help our Nation in times of crisis. Their outstanding professionalism and performance have been manifest throughout America's proud history, most recently in the Persian Gulf, Haiti, and Somalia. Today, these brave individuals continue to bring honor to the maritime community and to our country through their steadfast service to our troops in Bosnia.

Those working on and in support of U.S. vessels play another important role by strengthening our economy. Every day, merchant ships carry the Nation's domestic and foreign commerce, acting as an integral part of our seamless transportation system. Those aboard go to sea to move American goods and materials, to help provide aid and comfort to others around the world, and, when necessary, to defend our interests and to seek international peace.

The Maritime Security Program legislation currently before the Congress will preserve a strong sealift capability so that critical military cargoes can reach American troops and our allies abroad as they strive to fulfill their peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. It will protect American jobs and foster our efforts to expand international trade. In standing behind this important measure, we affirm our commitment to maintaining a strong U.S.-flag presence on the high seas for our continued national security and economic growth.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1996, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities 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 THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States the two hundred and twentieth.

William J. Clinton

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1997 by the President of the United States of America

Throughout America's history - from the Revolutionary War to to-day's global challenges - our United States Merchant Marine has fulfilled its mission with patriotism and efficiency, transporting our Nation's cargoes in times of both peace and conflict. Our Merchant Marine has shown its mettle time and again during major United States military engagements, proving to be crucial component in support of our Armed Forces' efforts to protect our national interests and defend our freedom.

Today, we salute these skilled civilian seafarers, who continue to distinguish their profession and demonstrate their commitment to America's security through their unwavering support of our troops abroad in both peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

History has taught us how important a nation's flag presence is on the high seas. Heeding the lessons of the past, the Congress and I reaffirmed our pledge for a strong U.S.-flag fleet when I signed into law the Maritime Security Act of 1996. This legislation sets the course for America's Merchant Marine into the 21st century, sustaining a strong sealift capability and bolstering national security.

The Act will strengthen American maritime and allied industries, while energizing our efforts to further stimulate the economy through trade and commerce.

As we look to the challenges of the future, we recognize the continuing importance of our U.S. domestic maritime fleet to the maintenance of our Nation's commercial and defense maritime interests. I commend the merchant mariners whose unstinting service has helped maintain both our domestic and our international U.S. fleets.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1997, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities 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 twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-first.

William J. Clinton

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1998 by President William J. Clinton of the United States of America

The United States is and has always been a maritime Nation. Our history is tied to the sea -- from the Santa Maria to the Mayflower, from clipper ships to ocean liners, from the Liberty Ships of World War II to the huge, efficient containerships of the 1990s -- and our development as a Nation has paralleled the growth of our waterborne commerce.

As we look forward to the challenges of the 21st century, we continue to rely on our Nation's maritime industry and the U.S. Merchant Marine to keep America competitive in an increasingly global economy. Ships and barges carry more than one billion tons of commercial cargo annually between ports within our Nation. Internationally, more than 95 percent of our imports and exports by weight are transported on water -- a total of more than one billion metric tons of cargo each year.

We also depend on America's maritime industry and Merchant Marine to fill a crucial role in protecting our national interests and the security of our allies. Throughout our history, in times of conflict or crisis, the owners, operators, and crews of U.S.-flag commercial vessels have provided vital sealift capability in support of our Armed Forces, advancing defense, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions across the globe.

Our maritime industry has made many important contributions to the economic strength and defense capability of our Nation, and my Administration has worked with the Congress to implement new approaches to ensure the industry's continued viability. Our National Shipbuilding Initiatives are helping to improve the competitiveness of America's maritime industry by seeking to eliminate foreign subsidies, assisting the industry's international marketing efforts, eliminating unnecessary government regulations, and enhancing private sector financing of shipbuilding through Federal loan guarantees.

Under the Maritime Security Program, the Federal Government contracts with owners and operators of U.S.-flag vessels to supplement our military sealift capability and gains access to a fleet of modern commercial ships and the sophisticated intermodal transportation system that supports it.

Together, these programs protect our Nation's economic interests and our national security by ensuring that U.S.-flag vessels will always sail in the sea lanes of the world.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate
observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1998, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities 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 twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-second.

William J. Clinton

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1999 by the President of the United States of America

The history of the United States has always been linked to the sea. For more than 2 centuries, American ships and crews have made enormous contributions to the strength of our economy, the security of our shores, and the success of our efforts to create a more peaceful, prosperous world.

Today's U.S. Merchant Marine is building on that rich maritime heritage. Our commercial ships and marine infrastructure -- and the dedicated men and women who are part of our maritime industry and U.S. Merchant Marine -- continue to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing marketplace and the expanding globalization of trade. Our merchant fleet is a key component of our Nation's intermodal transportation system, carrying more than one billion tons of cargo between domestic ports and supporting our connection to overseas markets. The fleet helps facilitate our engagement in world affairs and helps protect U.S. national security interests.

Recognizing that a strong America requires a strong merchant marine, my Administration has worked closely with the Congress to promote the development and maintenance of a modern, efficient, well-balanced merchant fleet, capable of facilitating international commerce and meeting the military needs of our Armed Forces during times of conflict or national emergency.

Through the Maritime Security Program and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, which implement the Maritime Security Act of 1996, we have forged new public--private partnerships to ensure that our country will maintain a modern commercial fleet owned and operated by U.S. citizens and crewed by well-trained, highly skilled American sailors. We have strengthened U.S. shipyards through the National Shipbuilding Initiative. We also have helped keep our shipbuilding industry competitive in the global marketplace by providing financing guarantees, granting tax deferrals, and making it easier to operate ships under the U.S. flag.

The United States Merchant Marine has served our Nation boldly and well through challenge and change. As we enter a new century, we must reaffirm our commitment to this proud legacy. We must maintain the strength and vitality of our merchant fleet and the skills and training of the men and women who have made America a great maritime Nation. By doing so, we will ensure that U.S.-flag vessels continue to sail the world's oceans, preserving our leadership of the global economy, strengthening our prosperity, and defending our freedom for generations to come.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1999, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States in their homes and in their communities. I also request that all merchant ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third.

William J. Clinton

National Maritime Day Proclamation 2000 by the President of the United States of America

Americans have always looked to the sea as a source of prosperity and security. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, with the Great Lakes, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, scores of harbors, ports, and inlets, and thousands of miles of inland river shorelines, our Nation has been blessed with an unparalleled means of moving passengers and freight, protecting our freedom, and linking our citizens with the world.

Today, 95 percent of our imports and exports are moved by water -- more than one billion metric tons of cargo -- and our waterways currently handle 140 million passengers a year. Our domestic fleet is one of our most productive and cost-effective modes of transportation, moving 24 percent of the Nation's cargo at less than 2 percent of America's total
freight cost. The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine and the thousands of other workers in our Nation's maritime industry have made immeasurable contributions to our economic strength, standard of living, and leadership in the global marketplace.

The U.S. Merchant Marine plays an equally important role in maintaining our national security. In times of conflict or crisis, the Armed Forces rely upon the Merchant Marine's sealift capability to transport critically needed equipment and supplies. Time and again, American mariners have demonstrated their willingness and ability to meet often daunting challenges. From World War II to Korea to Vietnam, from Desert Storm to the Balkans and in numerous incidents in between, the U.S. Merchant Marine has responded with courage, patriotism, and a steadfast devotion to duty.

The 21st century will hold new challenges for our maritime industry, including an anticipated doubling of cargo and passenger traffic in the next two decades. If we are to meet those challenges, we must maintain a robust U.S.-flag fleet, crewed by American mariners. Last September, the Secretary of Transportation presented to the Congress a blueprint for
modernizing our Marine Transportation System -- the waterways, ports, railways, and roads that move people and goods to, from, and on the water.

We must build more and better ships, modernize our shipyards, create deeper ports for today's ever larger containerships and ocean liners, and maintain a skilled maritime workforce. We must also ensure that local, State, and Federal agencies, the U.S. military, the maritime industry, shippers, labor unions, environmental groups, and other concerned organizations work in partnership to carry out this blueprint.

As we celebrate National Maritime Day this year, we also mark the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Maritime Administration. Throughout the past five decades, the dedicated men and women of this agency have worked to improve the competitiveness of our maritime industry in world markets and to strengthen our ability to respond swiftly and effectively in times of crisis. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I salute these outstanding public servants for their commitment to the U.S. Merchant Marine and to the shipbuilding, repair services, ports, and intermodal water and land transportation systems they need to function efficiently.

In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine to our Nation's prosperity and security, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day" and has authorized and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2000, as National Maritime Day. I urge all Americans to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities and by displaying the flag of the United States in their homes and in their communities. I also request that all merchant ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on that day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth.

William J. Clinton

Maritime Day Proclamation by President George W. Bush
Maritime Day Proclamations and Celebrations
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Maritime Day Proclamations from American Merchant Marine Veterans News and White House documents http://www.pub.whitehouse.gov

5/22/01

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