Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 124.djvu/4666

 124 STAT. 4640 PROCLAMATION 8526—MAY 20, 2010 rity they need to innovate and take risks. We have also enacted new tax cuts and tax credits for small firms. Still, we must do more to em- power these companies. In this year’s State of the Union address, I proposed creating a $30 bil- lion lending fund to help increase the flow of credit to small busi- nesses, and I call on the Congress to pass this legislation quickly. My Administration is also working to extend and enhance Small Business Administration programs that have helped small business owners ac- quire loans and hire workers. This week, we celebrate the role of entrepreneurs and small businesses in our national life. They are the engine of our prosperity and a proud reflection of our character. A healthy small business sector will give us vibrant communities, cutting-edge technology, and an American economy that can compete and win in the 21st century. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con- stitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 23 through May 29, 2010, as Small Business Week. I call upon all Americans to recognize the tremendous contributions of small busi- nesses to our Nation with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty- fourth. BARACK OBAMA Proclamation 8526 of May 20, 2010 National Maritime Day, 2010 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Even before our Nation declared independence, our forebears recog- nized the importance of merchant ships and seafarers to our economic and national security. Since 1775, America’s maritime fleet has risen to the challenges before them and worked to meet our country’s needs in times of peace and war alike. On National Maritime Day, we recog- nize the men and women of the United States Merchant Marine for their contributions to America’s leadership in the global marketplace, and to our security. Civilian mariners and their ships have played an important role in equipping our military forces at sea in national conflicts. During World War II, they executed the largest sealift the world had ever known, and thousands gave their lives to help convoys with desperately needed supplies reach our troops. Their service to our Nation continues today. Merchant mariners support military operations in Iraq and Afghani- stan, as well as humanitarian missions, including the delivery of sup- plies to Haiti following this year’s devastating earthquake.