Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 117.djvu/3067

 117 STAT. 3048

PROCLAMATION 7681—MAY 22, 2003

ater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken.’’ We are grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of America’s merchant mariners before and after World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and around the world today. In addition to their efforts to support our troops, merchant marines play a vital role in moving the goods that we produce around the United States and throughout the world. Their work provides jobs and economic benefits to our country, and strengthens our economy. By operating as the eyes and ears of America at sea, they also help protect our homeland. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, 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 proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2003, as National Maritime 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 three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH

Proclamation 7681 of May 22, 2003

Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2003 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On Memorial Day, America undertakes its solemn duty to remember the sacred list of brave Americans who have sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom and the security of our Nation. By honoring these proud Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen lost throughout our country’s history, we renew our commitment to upholding the democratic ideals they fought and died to preserve. Each Memorial Day, we pray for peace throughout the world, remembering what was gained and what was lost during times of war. From the bravery of the men at Valley Forge, to the daring of Normandy, the courage of Iwo Jima, and the steady resolve in Afghanistan and Iraq, our men and women in uniform have won for us every hour that we live in freedom. During this year’s observance, we particularly recognize the courageous spirit of the men and women in our Nation’s Armed Forces who are working with our coalition partners to restore civil order, provide critical humanitarian aid, and renew Afghanistan and Iraq. As we honor those who have served and have been lost, we

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