Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 118.djvu/4167

 118 STAT. 4137 PROCLAMATION 7789—MAY 21, 2004 exports and encouraging foreign countries to set up operations in the United States, all of these agreements help create more and better jobs in our Nation. They also help increase prosperity for our workers. For American businesses and their employees to continue to out- perform other countries, America must remain the best place to do business and invest capital. In addition, we must ensure that our citi- zens are prepared for the high-skilled jobs our economy is creating. By fostering an environment where the entrepreneurial spirit flourishes and by providing workers with the best skills and education in the world, we can maintain our country’s economic leadership and help all our citizens achieve a better life. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 16 through May 22, 2004, as World Trade Week. I encourage all Ameri- cans to observe this week with events, trade shows, and educational programs that celebrate the benefits of trade to our Nation and the global economy. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth 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 7789 of May 21, 2004 National Maritime Day, 2004 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation National Maritime Day provides an opportunity to recognize the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine and their contribu- tions to our national security and economic strength. Since they first offered their ships and services to assist the Conti- nental Navy in our struggle for independence, to their distinguished service in World War II, merchant mariners have courageously sac- rificed to protect our country and defend our freedoms. In 1936, Amer- ica recognized the contributions of these patriots and established the U.S. Merchant Marine ‘‘as a naval or military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.’’; Today, merchant mariners are delivering es- sential supplies and equipment to our troops in Iraq and bravely serv- ing the cause of liberty. They continue to play an important role in our Nation’s efforts to advance democracy, peace, and freedom around the world, and we are grateful for their dedication. Merchant mariners also contribute significantly to the U.S. maritime transportation system. More than 95 percent of non-North American trade enters our country through our seaports. These ports handle more than $740 billion and 2 billion tons of domestic and international freight each year. Those in the maritime industry, including merchant VerDate 11-MAY-2000 15:04 Nov 10, 2005 Jkt 029194 PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 8087 Sfmt 8087 C:\STATUTES\2004\29194PT4.004 APPS10 PsN: 29194PT4

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