108 STAT. 5584 PROCLAMATION 6693—MAY 21, 1994 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 display- ing 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 Proclamation 6693 of May 21, 1994 Armed Forces Day, 1994 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Forty-four years ago, President Harry Truman set aside a special day to salute the men and women who dedicate their lives to the ultimate act of public service: protecting and defending our lives, our liberties, and our right to the pursuit of happiness. President Truman proclaimed the first Armed Forces Day at a major turning point in America's history. With the greatest sacrifice, we had just defeated the forces of global domination and tyranny, but we also were faced with the first chill of a Cold War that would last for four decades. Through it all, from the blood and fire of World War II, to the nightmare fears of nuclear confrontation, America never lost hope, never despaired. We faced each threat with faith in God and in the skills, covi-
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