Maritime Day Proclamations by Governors and Speeches by Senators and Members of Congress

Excerpts from Gubernatorial Proclamations and Speeches 1946

Maritime Day Proclamation 1980 by Governor Bob Graham, Florida

National Maritime Day Speech 1989 by Member of Congress George J. Hochbrueckner

Maritime Day Proclamation 1990 by Governor Ned McWherter, Tennessee

National Maritime Day Speech 1990 by Member of Congress Walter B. Jones of North Carolina

Maritime Day Proclamation 1997 by Governor John A. Kitzhaber, State of Oregon

Maritime Day Proclamation 1999 by Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina

Arizona Governor Sidney P. Osborn Proclamation 1946
Whereas many Arizonans who became a part of the great American fleet necessary for the national defense are still delivering and returning troops and supplies for our occupation forces, carrying food for starving nations and beginning the great postwar era of international commerce, I, Sidney P. Osborn, Governor, do designate and proclaim Wednesday, May twenty-second, 1946, as Maritime Day in Arizona, and call upon our citizenry to join in this nationwide observance in recognition of the accomplishments of the American Merchant Marine in war and in peace, and direct that the American flag be displayed on public buildings and at private homes in further tribute to the American men and women, afloat and ashore, who have contributed to the nation's position as the world's leading maritime power.

Florida Governor Millard F. Caldwell Proclamation 1946
National Maritime Day will be observed throughout the nation in fitting tribute to the American Merchant Marine, whose services in peacetime have been eclipsed only by its service in time of war, and whereas Florida has a special interest in the merchant marine by reason of the state's long coastline, many fine harbors and large number of citizens actively engaged, I, Millard F. Caldwell, as Governor of the State of Florida, proclaim the 22nd day of May, 1946. Maritime Day in Florida and call for its appropriate observance by our citizens.

Georgia Governor Ellis Arnall Proclamation 1946
During the recent war, which decided the fate of the world as to whether it would be a safe place for free men and free commerce, the victory might have gone to the despots had not the vessels of the American Merchant Marine been available to transport materials and supplies to our soldiers overseas. Also, the Navy drew on the Merchant Marine for many of its auxiliary vessels, thus broadening that service in the national defense.

In years of peace, the American Merchant Marine has served to further and increase our foreign trade. Today it is again plying the seven seas carrying goods and passengers, building and sustaining not only the prosperity of the United States but contributing to the economic and cultural welfare of the whole world.

Idaho Governor Arnold Williams Proclamation 1946
I, Arnold Williams, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim May 22nd, 1946, to be National Maritime Day. A day set aside to the dedication honoring the American Merchant Marine and the American men and women, afloat and ashore, who have contributed to the nation's position as the world's leading maritime power, and to the splendid work our Merchant Marine did in the recent war, and I do urge all citizens of Idaho to take due notice of this proclamation and duly observe this historical day.

Illinois Governor Green Proclamation 1946
Our republic is now the world's greatest maritime power. We have the ships to carry an imposing portion of the world's commerce, and reserve fleets for any emergency. Illinois men, money and products are doing their full part in maintaining this commanding position.

We have every reason to be proud of our great merchant marine, in peace no less than in war. This anniversary is much more a day for looking back on a notable feat -- it is a time for looking forward, for planning the wise use of this great national asset.

Indiana Governor Ralph F. Gates Proclamation 1946
Whereas, the Congress of the United States did by joint resolution designate May 22nd of each year as National Maritime Day in the United States and, whereas we have recently emerged victoriously from a great war, during which we saw our Merchant Marine perform valiantly in delivering the supplies necessary to achieve that victory, I am sure every Hoosier joins with me in paying tribute to the Merchant Marine and the valiant men who served thereon, therefore I, Ralph F. Gates, Governor of the State of Indiana do hereby proclaim May 22, 1946 as National Maritime Day.

Maine Governor Horace Hildreth Proclamation 1946
Maine, traditionally known for its leadership in our maritime history, has contributed innumerable members and valiant leaders to the merchant marine.

Never before in our history has it been more important for our nation to maintain a merchant marine that is composed of the best equipped, safest and most suitable types of vessels, and manned with a trained and efficient citizen personnel.

At our Maine Maritime Academy at Castine we are training hundreds of our best youths to carry on Maine's great seafaring tradition.

May 22 is a day when our citizens should reflect on the accomplishments of the Merchant Marine during World War II. As an auxiliary to our Army and Navy, our Merchant Marine covered thousands of miles of dangerous ocean to land the supplies that were indispensable to victory. Now as then they must be part of an all-American team.

Maryland Governor Herbert O'Conor Proclamation 1946
Whereas, our merchant ships, manned by courageous officers and able seamen sail every sea, and during the war were an integral part of our defense and thousands of their crews made the supreme sacrifice in line of duty, and, now that the war has come to a successful conclusion, the American people are gratified that the merchant fleets, wisely and vigilantly maintained, are sailing the seas freely again, there-fore I, Herbert R. O'Conor, Governor of the State of Maryland, do hereby proclaim Wednesday, May 22nd, as National Maritime Day and call upon the people to observe this day and that special programs be held to impress the people of our state with the importance of the merchant fleet in the progress and protection of our country.

Michigan Governor Harry F. Kelly Proclamation 1946
In World War II the seamen of the United States Merchant Marine displayed splendid heroism in keeping open the highroads of the sea and maintaining supply lines so essential to the final victory.

As we look to the future and plan for the wisest use of these invaluable national assets, men and ships, we can look with confidence to our merchant marine to make an even greater contribution to the peacetime welfare of the nation. With its prewar strength increased ten times, America has now more merchant ships than all other nations of the world combined. They are available for us to expand our world markets and as reserve fleets ready for any emergency in defense of our national security.

Situated as we are in the heart of the greatest inland waterway of the world and having furnished 5,488 officers and seamen during the war, Michigan is keenly aware of its stake in this great American merchant fleet as it returns to its first peacetime operation in more than four years.

Therefore, I, Harry F. Kelly, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1946 as National Maritime Day in Michigan and call upon our citizens to appropriately observe this occasion by displaying the flag at their homes or other suitable places.

Mississippi Governor Thomas L. Bailey Proclamation 1946
Whereas the State of Mississippi is proud to participate in this national observance commemorating the service and heroism of the Merchant Marine, now, therefore, I, Thomas L. Bailey, Governor of the State of Mississippi, do hereby urge the people of Mississippi to observe May 22, 1946 as National Maritime Day by displaying the flag at their homes and their places of business, in the schools, and that appropriate recognition be given to this national observance.

New Hampshire Governor Charles M. Dale Proclamation 1946
The observance of National Maritime Day is of more than casual interest to the State of New Hampshire.

The event which it commemorates -- the sailing of the first steam-propelled vessel ever to cross an ocean of the world -- calls attention to the fact that a citizen of New Hampshire navigated a steamboat of his own invention on the Connecticut River a quarter of a century before the S.S. Savannah sailed for Liverpool on May 22, 1819.

Furthermore, this state pioneered in the early commerce of America and in the building and manning of ships under the flag of the United States. Our contribution to the merchant marine, as well as to the Navy, has been continuous, and reached an all time height during the Second World War.

In this commemoration of the service of the American Merchant Marine and of the heroism of the men who manned it let it be remembered that without them our victory in both World Wars would have been impossible, and our future sea power lost.

In recognition, therefore, of service performed and of the importance of our national power upon the sea, I, Charles M. Dale, Governor of New Hampshire, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1946 as National Maritime Day.

We may take an especial pride in doing this because it was the sloop of war Ranger, built at Portsmouth and under the command of Captain John Paul Jones, which received the first salute to our colors from a foreign power; and was the first naval vessel to fly the flag of the United States.

New Jersey Governor Walter E. Edge Statement 1946
As our Merchant Marine builds up our peace trade after four years of warfare, observance today of National Maritime Day takes on unusual significance.

During the last war more than 15,000,000 men and women of the armed forces and more than 200,000,000 tons of cargo were transported across the oceans of the world, an unparalleled marine venture. The officers and men of the Merchant Marine and the shipyard workers who produced these ships deserve our congratulations for this record of achievement as they bring our fighting men and women to their homeland.

As we observe National Maritime Day, let us take a lesson from the past and keep this great merchant fleet in its present commanding position in world commerce to the end that never again shall we deteriorate to a second rate power or less on the seas.

New York Governor Thomas F. Dewey Proclamation 1946
The people of New York State, as of the entire nation, owe a debt of gratitude to the men of the American Merchant Marine. Their services in the war years were indispensable. Without them our fighting men could not have been transported to the theatres of war nor supplied with the materials which they kept flowing in an uninterrupted stream to the scenes of the fight.

The people of New York State have, by right, an especially vivid interest in the Merchant Marine since theirs was the first state to establish a State Maritime Academy. The Empire State has maintained this Academy ever since 1875 on an ever increasing scale. During the war the New York State Maritime Academy was a part of the military establishment of the United States.

Accordingly it is fitting that the people of New York recognize the services of the country's merchant marine and its men, therefore I, Thomas F. Dewey, Governor of the State of New York, do proclaim May 22nd, 1946 as Maritime Day.

Ohio Governor Frank J. Lausche Proclamation 1946
It is fitting that the patriotism, courage, sacrifice and labor of the men and women who kept the fleet of vessels sailing during World War II be given recognition, therefore I, Frank J. Lausche, Governor of the State of Ohio, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1946 National Maritime Day in Ohio and call the people of Ohio to observe National Maritime Day by displaying the flag, grateful for the day when our ships can once again sail the seas in peace.

Oklahoma Governor Robert S. Kerr Proclamation 1946
Whereas, by virtue of the terms and spirit of the Congressional resolution this day is dedicated to honoring the American Merchant Marine and the American men and women, afloat and ashore, who have contributed to the nation's position as the world's leading maritime power.

Now, therefore, I, Robert S. Kerr, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim May 22nd, 1946 as National Maritime Day and do hereby call upon the people of Oklahoma to join the people of our sister states in observing National Maritime Day as a symbol of our appreciation and gratitude for the great service the Merchant Marine has contributed to the nation's well being.

Pennsylvania Governor Edward Martin Maritime Day Speech 1946
The date commemorates an event of vast importance in the Maritime history of our Nation, the sailing of the steamship Savannah, on May 22, 1819, on the first successful steam propelled crossing of the Atlantic ocean.

Since its earliest days the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been closely linked with the growth and development of American maritime power. We are proud of our great river, lake and ocean ports and our giant shipyards which have launched a mighty fleet to serve our country on every sea. It is appropriate, therefore that the citizens of Pennsylvania join in the observance of National Maritime Day in tribute to the men of the merchant marine, ashore and afloat, whose heroism have contributed so much to victory and the preservation of American freedom.

Rhode Island Governor John O. Pastore Proclamation 1946
Rhode Island furnished 1,053 officers and seamen for the American Merchant Marine during the war, sufficient qualified and experienced men to sail twenty-six large, modern American merchant ships. An adequate American Merchant Marine used by all citizens for their trade and travel will guarantee these men continuous employment.

American merchant ships carried 36,763 Rhode Island soldiers overseas to all battle zones through-out the world during the war, and brought them home again when the war was won.

The nation today can boast of the finest, fastest, most efficient and safest merchant marine in the world. American shipowners with the help of the citizens of this state, plan to keep its hard-won preeminence, therefore I, John O. Pastore, Governor of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantation, proclaim May 22, 1946, National Maritime Day.

Tennessee Governor Jim McCord Proclamation 1946
The American Merchant Marine has played a magnificent part in bringing about a full and complete victory to the Allied forces, and its men and women, afloat and ashore, have contributed to bringing our nation to the position of the world's leading maritime power.

More than 1,500 of Tennessee's sons served as officers and seamen in the Merchant Marine during the Second World War, nobly executing their duties in defense of the Nation and many making the supreme sacrifice.

American ships were responsible for transporting more than 140,000 Tennesseeans in the armed forces to all the battle fronts of the world and returning them safely to their native shores.

The Merchant Marine will continue to play an equally important role in the restoration and continuance of peace and in assisting our nation in maintaining leadership among the nations of the world, therefore I, Jim McCord, Governor of the State of Tennessee, join other states and do hereby proclaim May 22, 1946 as National Maritime Day.

Texas Governor Coke Stevenson Proclamation 1946
May 22nd marks the anniversary of the first successful trans-oceanic voyage under steam propulsion. This first voyage was made by the steamship "The Savannah" in the year 1819.

President Truman has issued his official proclamation setting aside May 22nd, 1946, as National Maritime Day.

Our merchant fleet, in furnishing a lifeline of supplies to our fighting men, assisted materially in bringing hostilities to a close. Many paid with their lives for the land of their allegiance; a large number of this group were Texans.

In peace as in war the Merchant Marine makes a vital contribution to the welfare of our country.
Therefore I, Coke Stevenson, Governor of Texas, set aside May 22nd, 1946 as National Maritime Day in Texas.

Vermont Governor Proctor Proclamation 1946
We shall never forget the heroic roles played by the merchantmen and their crews transporting needed supplies through the northern seas in the perilous days of the Battle of the Atlantic, and through the vast ocean expanses to our soldiers in the Pacific. These accomplishments of the Merchant Marine deserve great praise.

Vermont is not a seacoast state. However, this state furnished 171 officers and seamen for the Merchant Marine during the war, sufficiently qualified men to sail four large, modern American ships. Merchant ships transported 16,607 Vermont soldiers overseas to all battle zones throughout the world during the war.

So it is fitting that Vermont should offer her salute on May 22nd to the fastest, finest and most efficient Merchant Marine in the world.

Washington Governor Mon C. Wallgren Proclamation 1946
The state of Washington's ideal facilities for handling waterborne commerce is the source of great wealth, providing an expanding market for our products.

It is fitting and proper that the people of Washington join in this nation-wide observance in recognition of the accomplishments of the American Merchant Marine in war and peace.

Therefore I, Mon C. Wallgren, Governor of the State of Washington, do hereby proclaim May 22, as Maritime Day and call upon the people to give every thought and consideration to the observance of this day and to the importance of our merchant marine to our future welfare.

Wyoming Governor Lester C. Hunt Proclamation 1946
The great war which so recently terminated victoriously, was brought to a close on foreign shores, far from American homes. Though that same war might have been fought within the very heart of our beloved country, we are reminded that such was not our illfortune. That this was possible was due to a great extent to our heroic Merchant Marine, with whose aid and assistance we were able to keep that ghastly spectacle far from our home.

The gallant heroism and almost superhuman effort exerted by the Merchant Marine in supplying our armed forces and allies with food and equipment so requisite to the war across the several seas, and in the face of horrible odds, is not soon to be forgotten. Nor is their dauntless courage in maintaining our national defense and economy to go unnoticed.

We salute the Merchant Marine and proclaim Wednesday, May 22, 1946 as National Maritime Day upon which we should all join in a common salute to those men who served their country with courage unexcelled.

Houston, Texas, Mayor Otis Massey Proclamation 1946
I, Otis Massey, mayor of the City of Houston, do hereby proclaim May 22nd, 1946 to be National Maritime Day in Houston and hereby call upon the people of Houston, particularly those engaged and interested in maritime pursuits, to join in the nation-wide commemoration of this occasion in grateful recognition of the honorable devotion to service of the American Merchant Marine and of all men and women on land and sea who have added strength to our sea power, in war as well as in peace.

Norfolk, Virginia, Mayor James W. Reed Proclamation 1946
Whereas, Virginia enjoys the distinction of being a maritime state with an enviable record and the Port of Norfolk plays a conspicuous role in the record so described, and, whereas the Merchant Marine makes a vital contribution to the welfare of the nation and affects every man, woman and child in the confines of these United States, therefore, I, James W. Reed, Mayor of the City of Norfolk, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1946 as Maritime Day in Norfolk and call upon the people to observe the day in some manner appropriate to their activity and thus pay tribute to the large and vital maritime industry and to the many courageous men who but recently gave their lives that we might live . . . the men who went down with their ships.

Newport News, Virginia, Mayor R. Cowles Taylor Proclamation 1946
Whereas this city, is without doubt, one of the greatest maritime cities in the United States, and the importance of this port to industry and foreign and domestic commerce is a matter of record, not to mention its importance to the national government in times of stress.

Our American Merchant Marine contributed greatly to the final outcome of the recent war and it, therefore, behooves us to lend it our loyal support now to the end that America can retain the place it has earned, leading the world in the pursuit of a lasting peace, and to provide for the uninterrupted commercial intercourse between nations which is so necessary in the interests of world economy, therefore, I, R. Cowles Taylor, Mayor of the City of Newport News, do call upon the citizens of this community to properly recognize the fact that our merchant marine operating at its capacity, provides employment for thousands of Americans, many of whom have never seen the sea, that a strong merchant marine is necessary in peace as it is essential in war.

Maritime Day Proclamation 1980 Governor of the State of Florida, Bob Graham

WHEREAS, the sealanes of the world have served as gateways for commerce and cultural exchange from the earliest times of our history; and

WHEREAS, the merchants and seamen of our young republic played a pivotal role in the development of a stable economy and a prosperous future for all Americans; and

WHEREAS, in time.of war and peace, the America Merchant Marine has been dedicated to the orderly flow of goods and materials to and from the shores of our Nation; and

WHEREAS, May 22, 1819 marks the day that the S.S. Savannah sailed from Savannah, Georgia for Liverpool, England on the first successful crossing of the Atlantic by a ship using steam propulsion; and

WHEREAS, Congress has issued a proclamation every year since 1933 declaring May 22 as National Maritime Day:in honor of the S. S. Savannah's voyage; and

WHEREAS, many maritime organizations in Florida, particularly the State's Propeller Clubs, will celebrate the achievements of American shipping on that day;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Graham, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1980 as

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

in Florida and urge all citizens to join with me in honoring the men and women of the State of the Union who have contributed to the success of our merchant fleet in times of peace and war.

Bob Graham, Governor of Florida

National Maritime Day 1989 Speech by Hon. George J. Hochbrueckner in the House of Representatives

TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1989

Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER. Mr. Speaker, today is National Maritime Day. I rise to pay tribute to the vital role played throughout history by members of the U.S. merchant marine, and to highlight the importance of restoring our domestic shipping industry to its former prominence.

In order to recognize the critical national security role played by merchant mariners over the years, the 100th Congress enacted the Merchant Marine Decorations and Medals Act (Public Law 100-324). I cosponsored this legislation to authorize medals and decorations for outstanding and meritorious conduct and service for members of the U.S. merchant marine during a national emergency. The law also authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide a U.S. flag and a gravemarker to the family of a deceased person with such a record of service. The legislation, while long overdue, provided for important national recognition of combat merchant mariners.

I am very concerned about the unfortunate state of the U.S. merchant marine. As a member of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, I have supported measures designed by our committee chairman, the gentleman from North Carolina [Mr. Jones] to improve the condition of the American merchant marine. For example, I support the policy that wherever possible, U.S. products should be shipped on U.S.-flag ships.

Unfortunately, however, the executive branch under the Reagan administration repeatedly side-stepped the requirements of law and allowed American goods to be carried on foreign-flag vessels. It seems that even after Congress has carefully designed laws to ensure fairness to American seamen, the administration finds loopholes which enables it to weaken protections. I hope that President Bush's administration will adopt a `kinder, gentler' policy toward the merchant marine.

Mr. Speaker, on this, National Maritime Day, let us honor the Americans who join the U.S. merchant marine.

Maritime Day Proclamation 1990 by Governor Ned McWherter, State of Tennessee

WHEREAS, in the pages of our Nation's history, merchant seafarers rightly occupy an honored place; and

WHEREAS, the American Merchant Marine has not only made important contributions to our economic development, but has also helped our country make effective responses to military challenges; and

WHEREAS, the value of merchant craft in wartime operations was first demonstrated during the Revolution, when they supplemented the 34 ships of the small Continental Navy; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved May 20, 1933, has designated May 22 of each year as National Maritime Day";

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ned McWherter, as Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim May 22, l990, as

NATIONAL, MARITIME DAY in the State of Tennessee, and urge all our citizens to join me in this observance.

Ned McWherter, Governor

Speech by Member of Congress Hon. Walter B. Jones of North Carolina in the House of Representatives, MAY 22, 1990

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, Tuesday, May 22, 1990, is National Maritime Day. This is the day set aside every year to honor the thousands of men and women who have devoted their lives to the American-flag merchant marine . It is also an occasion to remember the thousands of American merchant mariners who lost their lives confronting the natural forces of the wind, weather, and the sea. We also remember and salute those mariners who perished at the hands of the enemies of the United States.

The United States is one of a handful of representative governments which thrive on peace. There is a longing in the American spirit for peace. Individual Americans realize that this is an imperfect world. Armed force is sometimes necessary to insure the continuation of the Republic, but Americans would rather devote their time and effort to their families, their careers, and the betterment of their communities.

It is a paradox of American history that peace is usually associated with hard times for our shipbuilders and ship operators, as well as for the men and women who crew our merchant vessels. When a national emergency is declared, we look to our ships to deliver the cargoes necessary to support the military. In other periods, this Nation is content to allow unseen and unguided market conditions to undercut the American merchant marine.

We must remember that our ultimate security is dependent upon our ability to build, operate, and crew merchant vessels. That is why National Maritime Day is so important.

As chairman of the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries, I ask all who enjoy the fruits of peace and victory to remember the cost at which they were purchased. We are all grateful to those who perished on the Murmansk Run, to those who were incinerated delivering petroleum to our allies, to the hundreds of merchant mariners taken prisoner of war. We remember too the men and women who worked in our shipyards day and night to build the tankers and cargo ships which carried the United States to victory. All that sacrifice and all that work must not be forgotten.

And so I ask all Americans to celebrate the true meaning of National Maritime Day, 1990, and remember those who cannot be with us today. This peaceful celebration is possible because the men and women of the American merchant marine answered the call to act in the national interest.

Maritime Day Proclamation 1997 by Governor John A. Kitzhaber, State of Oregon

WHEREAS: The economic strength of the Pacific Northwest is dependent upon trade with the West Coast, the Orient and Pacific Rim nations; and

WHEREAS: Oregonians benefit from increased commerce in wheat, lumber, manufactured goods and other products as maritime technology advances; and

WHEREAS: In recognition of the importance of the American merchant marine, the Congress, by joint resolution of May 20, 1933, designated May 22 as National Maritime Day and requested the President to issue annually a proclamation calling for its appropriate observance; and

WHEREAS: May 22 was chosen to commemorate the day in 1819 when the SS SAVANNAH departed Savannah, Georgia, on the first transatlantic steamship voyage; and

WHEREAS: The use of steam-driven ships has increased the reliability of water transportation and has brought the lucrative markets of many nations closer to Oregon merchants and farmers.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John A. Kitzhaber, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim May 22, 1997 to be

MARITIME DAY in Oregon and encourage all citizens to join in this observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the Great Seal of the State of Oregon to be affixed. Done at the Capitol in the City of Salem in the State of Oregon on this day, February 25, 1997.

John A. Kitzhaber, Governor

National Maritime Day Proclamation 1999 by the Governor James B. Hunt of the State of North Carolina

A Proclamation

WHEREAS, the President of the United States, pursuant to a joint Congressional Resolution in 1933, designated May 22 as National Maritime Day; and

WHEREAS, on this day, men and women from each of our United States, who are serving in the Merchant Marine, are honored along with the many seamen who lost their lives in World War II, and those who served with dedication and valor in the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Conflicts; and

WHEREAS, the Propeller Club of the United States, with fifty-seven clubs located throughout the country, celebrates this day in every location with a variety of events. The Propeller Club of Wilmington was chartered on September 20, 1934, and maintains an active membership; and

WHEREAS, in North Carolina, our ports at Wilmington and Morehead City have played vital roles during national emergencies since the Korean War. Hundreds of ocean-going vessels, manned by Merchant Marines, have
called at North Carolina ports;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES B. HUNT JR., Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 22, 1999, as "NATIONAL MARITIME DAY" in North Carolina, and commend this observance to our citizens.

JAMES B. HUNT JR.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this thirtieth day of March in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-second.

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Sources:
"National Maritime Day, May 22, 1946" The Propeller Club of the United States
American Merchant Marine Veterans News

4/10/01

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