[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 20 (Monday, May 23, 1994)]
[Page 1124]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 6692--National Maritime Day, 1994

May 19, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 4:29 p.m., May 20, 1994]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on May 20, and it was published in the Federal Register on May 
24.