The following is the text of a news release from the White House:
(WASHINGTON) — On National Maritime Day, we recognize the important role the United States merchant marine plays in supporting our commerce and national security. We honor the proud history of our merchant mariners and their important contributions in strengthening our economy.
Americans have long looked to the sea as a source of safety and well-being. Bounded by two oceans and the Gulf of Mexico, and crisscrossed by inland waterways, America was destined to be a maritime nation. Our fledgling republic expanded and became stronger, as our nation's growing merchant marine connected the states and cemented ties among our new allies.
Today, the men and women who crew ships remain essential to our nation's prosperity and security. Those in the maritime industry, including merchant mariners, promote our economic growth, facilitating the export of more than $475 billion in goods just last year and sustaining our critical defense industrial base. Merchant mariners also actively protect our homeland, serving as our eyes and ears on the seas. They serve with distinction and courage, heading into war zones, and too often sacrificing their own lives for our protection.
The Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as National Maritime Day, to commemorate the first transoceanic voyage by a steamship, in 1819 by S.S. Savannah. By this resolution, the Congress has authorized and requested the president to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance.
