Every 12 months on May twenty second, we honor these serving within the U.S. Merchant Marine and bear in mind the very important position service provider mariners play in our economic system and nationwide safety. So Happy National Maritime Day, everybody! Thank you to your service.

And now for a message from our President:

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY, 2016
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

Since America’s founding, proud mariners have selflessly devoted themselves to defending and advancing our pursuits — right here at house and all over the world. The patriots of the United States Merchant Marine have lengthy served as our Nation’s “fourth arm of defense,” safeguarding the beliefs which have guided our nation for greater than two centuries. They facilitate the transport and commerce of American items, they usually put their lives on the road in instances of struggle. On National Maritime Day, we honor our Merchant Mariners and have fun their irreplaceable position in shaping our Nation’s narrative.

Whether in nonetheless or raging waters, Merchant Mariners are elementary to guaranteeing the supply of important items to far-reaching corners of our globe. These seafarers have bravely confronted threats at house and overseas — together with combatants and pirates, illness outbreaks and pure disasters — they usually persistently heed the decision to serve their fellow Americans. In World War II, their ships carried troops and much-needed assist to the battlefield, 1000’s making the final word sacrifice. They had been among the many first to see battle, and lots of had been among the many final to return house to our shores.

Carrying ahead a legacy that spans generations, the United States Merchant Marine is important to our Nation’s financial safety as nicely. Their transportation of important cargo has impacts far past America’s borders, producing trillions of {dollars} of financial exercise every year. And when our entrepreneurs determine to embark on new ventures throughout oceans, mariners stand by and shield their pursuit of the American dream via tireless work to domesticate secure and open waterways. On at the present time, and each day, allow us to categorical our honest gratitude to those brave women and men for all they do for our Nation, and allow us to reaffirm our dedication to assist them as they proceed to uphold their proud custom of service.

The Congress, by a joint decision accredited May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of every 12 months as “National Maritime Day,” and has licensed and requested the President to challenge yearly a proclamation calling for its acceptable observance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2016, as National Maritime Day. I name upon the folks of the United States to mark this observance and to show the flag of the United States at their houses and of their communities. I additionally request that every one ships crusing beneath the American flag costume ship on at the present time.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I’ve hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, within the 12 months of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the 2 hundred and fortieth.

BARACK OBAMA