National Maritime Day Proclamation 1977
National Maritime Day Proclamations 1977 to 1980 by President Jimmy Carter honor American Merchant Marine
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1977
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1978
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1979
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1980
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1977 by President
Jimmy Carter of the United States of America
For more than two centuries, the
United States has relied on the Merchant Marine for trade and defense. The Merchant
Marine has contributed to our economic growth and military strength.
The men and women of our Merchant Marine have worked hard to export our products
to foreign markets, and import foreign goods for our use and pleasure.
Those who serve in the Merchant Marine have the spirit, the character, and devotion
to duty that have made our nation strong, free, and prosperous.
In recognition of the importance of the American Merchant Marine, the Congress,
by joint resolution of May 20, 1933 designated May 22 of each year as National
Maritime Day in commemoration of the departure from Savannah, Georgia, on that
date in 1819 of the SS SAVANNAH on the first transatlantic voyage by any steamship,
and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its
appropriate observance.
Because May 22 falls on Sunday this
year, and in keeping with custom, it is appropriate to observe National Maritime
Day on the following Monday.
Now, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, President of the United States of America,
do hereby urge the people of the United States to honor our American Merchant
Marine on May 23, 1977, 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 fifteenth day of April
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-seven, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and first.
Jimmy Carter
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1978 by President
Jimmy Carter of the United States of America
The American Merchant Marine is the
lifeline that links America with its overseas trading partners. In times of
peace, it builds our economy; in times of national emergency, it provides logistic
support to our armed forces.
In recognition of the importance of the American Merchant Marine, the Congress,
by joint resolution of May 20, 1933, designated May 22 of each year as National
Maritime Day in commemoration of the departure from Savannah, Georgia, on that
date in 1819 of the SS Savannah on the first transatlantic voyage by any steamship,
and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its
appropriate observance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, 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, 1978, 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 sixteenth day of March,
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-eight, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and second.
Jimmy Carter
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1979 by President
Jimmy Carter of the United States of America
The influence and the importance
of the American Merchant Marine extend well beyond our thriving ports. It affects
all Americans. Our Merchant Marine carries the products of our farms and factories
to consumers in our domestic trades, among our fifty States and possessions,
and links the U.S. industrial and agricultural heartland with our overseas trading
partners. Most of the gross tonnage carried in U.S. foreign trade is waterborne.
In addition to their vital role in commerce and trade, America's shipping and
shipbuilding industries have distinguished themselves in providing logistic
and combat support to our armed forces in times of war.
The men and women of our Merchant Marine can be justly proud of their contributions
to our Nation's economy and national defense. In these dual roles, American
seafarers have carried out their responsibilities with great dedication and
ability.
In recognition of the importance of the American Merchant Marine, the Congress,
by joint resolution of May 20, 1933, designated May 22 of each year as National
Maritime Day in commemoration of the departure from Savannah, Georgia, on that
date in 1819 of the SS SAVANNAH on the first transatlantic voyage by any steamship
and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its
appropriate observance.
Now, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, 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, 1979, 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-nine, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and third.
Jimmy Carter
National Maritime Day Proclamation 1980 by President Jimmy Carter of the United States of America
Throughout the history of the United
States, trade and shipping have made a vital contribution to the Nation's growth
and economic vitality. Today, the American Merchant Marine continues to aid
the development of American enterprise and to foster the well-being of all American
citizens by linking U.S. industries, farms and markets with our overseas trading
partners.
In addition, our Merchant Marine has shown valor and dedication in providing
logistic support to United States military forces in times of national emergency.
In recognition of the importance of the American Merchant Marine, and in commemoration
of the departure from Savannah, Georgia, on May 22, 1819, of the S.S. Savannah
on the first transatlantic voyage by any steamship, the Congress of the United
States, by joint resolution of May 20, 1933, designated May 22 of each year
as National Maritime Day and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation
calling for appropriate observances.
Now, THEREFORE, I, JIMMY CARTER, President of the United States of America,
do urge the people of the United States to honor our American Merchant Marine
on May 22, 1980, by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes
and other suitable places, and I call upon all ships under the American flag
to dress ship on that day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of March,
in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty, and of the Independence
of the United States of America the two hundred and fourth.
Jimmy Carter
Maritime
Day Proclamations by President Ronald Reagan
Maritime Day Proclamations and Celebrations
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Maritime Day Proclamations courtesy of Jimmy Carter Library
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