PROCLAMATION 5988—JUNE 7, 1989 103 STAT. 3049 cedures as well as the niles and courtesies of the waterways. Because safe boating is not a simple proposition and because there is much in- formation every operator needs to know before going out on the water, the theme of die 1989 National Safe Boating Week is "Know Before You Go." All boaters, especially those who operate small vessels for fishing, hunting, and other sports, need to know the craft they are using and the environment in which they will be operating. Most important, all boaters should know their own personal limitations and responsibil- ities so they do not lead themselves and others into situations beyond their skill or physical endurance. The majority of boating accidents are the result of pilot error; igno- rance and intoxication are major threats to safety. Boaters should be aware that operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not only dangerous and irresponsible, but also a Federal of- fense pimishable by substantial civil and criminal penalties. Those using watercraft must be well-informed, sober, and prepared to deal with hazardous situations. Safe boating is the responsibility of everyone who uses America's wa- terways. Let us all join with the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, the American Red Cross Water Safety Program, and the other member organizations of the National Safe Boating Council in making National Safe Boating Week the start of a major campaign to educate boaters to "know before they go." In recognition of the need for boating safety, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved June 4, 1958 (36 U.S.C. 161], as amended, author- ized and requested the President to proclaim annually the week com- mencing on the first Sujiday in June as National Safe Boating Week. NOW. THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning June 4, 1989, as National Safe Boating Week. I also invite the Governors of the States, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa and the Mayor of the District of Coliunbia to pro- vide for the observance of this week. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- fourth day of May, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 5988 of June 7, 1989 Flag Day and National Flag Week, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation While the American flag has changed through the years, the principles for which it stands have not. The Stars and Stripes were adopted as our Nation's emblem on June 14, 1777, when the delegates to the Continental Congress resolved "that
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