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 Proclamations Proc. 8149 of freedom. Today, merchant mariners are supporting operations in Afghan- istan and Iraq, and their devotion to duty is a tribute to the generations of men and women who have served our Nation with courage and determina- tion in every conflict in America's history. On this day, and throughout the year, America is grateful for their service. 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 des- ignated May 22 of each year as "National Maritime Day," and has author- ized and requested that the President issue an annual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2007, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance by hon- oring the service of merchant mariners and by displaying 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 eighteenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8149 of May 25, 2007 Great Outdoors Month, 2007 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During Great Outdoors Month, we celebrate the rich blessings of our Na- tion's natural beauty, and we renew our commitment to protecting our en- vironment so that we can leave our children and grandchildren a healthy and flourishing land. This month is also an opportunity to pay tribute to those whose hard work and dedication keep our country's open spaces beautiful and accessible to our citizens. Through recreational activities such as fishing, skiing, biking, and nature watching, we can teach our young people about the wonders of our Na- tion's landscapes. Experiencing our Nation's natural splendor contributes to healthier lives for our citizens and a deeper appreciation for the great outdoors. My Administration is working to protect and conserve our natural wonders for future generations. To keep our National Park System vibrant, we re- quested the highest increase ever in park operations funding in the FY 2008 Budget and launched the National Parks Centennial Initiative. We are also promoting responsible stewardship and conservation of our air, water, and land. Harmful air pollutants are down more than 10 percent since 2001, but there is more work to be done. Through the "Twenty in Ten" plan, my Administration aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and reduce America's dependence on oil by cutting our gas- oline usage by 20 percent over the next 10 years. 63

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