[Title 3 CFR 7199]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - January 1, 2000 Edition]
[Title 3 - Presidential Documents]
[Proclamation 7199 - Proclamation 7199 of May 21, 1999]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
3Presidential Documents12000-01-012000-01-01falseProclamation 7199 of May 21, 19997199Proclamation 7199Presidential Documents
Proclamation 7199 of May 21, 1999
National Maritime Day, 1999
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
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
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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