Proclamation 3055—National Maritime Day, 1954

Whereas the American Merchant Marine continues to further the economic welfare of the United States by its promotion of international trade and travel, and continues to render vital service in the strengthening of our national security; and

Whereas present world conditions require that the American Merchant Marine, as well as all other branches of our industry and economy, be ready at all times to serve in defense of the cause of freedom; and

Whereas the Congress by a joint resolution approved May 20, 1933 (48 Stat. 73), designated May 22 as National Maritime Day, thus honoring, our Merchant Marine by commemorating the departure from Savannah, Georgia, on May 22, 1819, of the Savannah on the first transoceanic voyage by any steamship, and requested the President to issue a proclamation annually calling for the observance of that day:

Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon the people of the United States to observe Saturday, May 22, 1954, as National Maritime Day by displaying the flag of the United States at their homes or other suitable places; and I direct the appropriate officials of the Government to arrange for the display of the flag on all Government buildings on that day. I also request that all ships sailing under the American flag dress ship on the designated day in honor of our Merchant Marine.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States of America to be affixed.

DONE at the City of Washington this 8th day of May in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and fifty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the one hundred and seventy-eighth.

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

By the President:

JOHN FOSTER DULLES,

Secretary of State