118 STAT. 4138 PROCLAMATION 7790—MAY 21, 2004 mariners, enhance waterborne commerce and help promote America’s economic growth. Today, we honor the courage, determination, and service of our Na- tion’s merchant mariners and remember the many who have given their lives in defense of our country. Their work reflects the patriotism and devotion to duty that make America great. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Con- gress, by joint resolution approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May 22 of each year as ‘‘National Maritime Day,’’; and has authorized and requested that the President issue an annual proclama- tion calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2004, as National Mari- time Day. I call upon the people of the United States to celebrate this observance and to display the flag of the United States at their homes and in their communities. 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 twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and twen- ty-eighth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 7790 of May 21, 2004 National Safe Boating Week, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation’s many waterways give millions of boating enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. With nearly 13 million recreational boats on our oceans, lakes, and rivers, boating is a popular pastime. However, far too many Ameri- cans are hurt or killed each year in boating accidents that are largely preventable. Each year, of the thousands of boating accidents that occur, many are caused by operators who are careless, reckless, or inexperienced. In most cases, boat operators had received no safety instruction, and many of those who died could have been saved if they had worn life jackets. During National Safe Boating week, we seek to raise awareness to improve safety and reduce accidents on our Nation’s waters. Across the Nation, many groups are working to teach recreational boat- ers how they can make boating safer through the 2004 North American Safe Boating Campaign. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the National Safe Boating Council, and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. These groups rec- ommend that boaters get boat safety checks, ensure that boats are prop- erly maintained, take safe boating classes, be aware of homeland secu- rity issues, always wear a life jacket, and never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. By learning about boating safety and VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00104 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4
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