| CAPTAIN'S
LOG
National
Maritime Day, 2007
A
Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
White
House News
America
has a proud maritime history, and the United States Merchant Marine
has played a vital role in helping meet our country's economic and
national security needs. On National Maritime Day, we honor merchant
mariners for their dedication to promoting commerce and protecting
our freedom.
During
times of peace, the U.S. Merchant Marine helps ensure our economic
security by keeping the oceans open to trade. Ships operated by
merchant mariners transport goods across our Nation's waterways and
on the high seas around the world to connect American businesses and
consumers with valuable foreign markets and commodities. The skill
and expertise of merchant mariners facilitates trade and helps to
strengthen our economy.
In times
of war, the Merchant Marine is the lifeline of our troops overseas.
By carrying critical supplies, equipment, and personnel, merchant
mariners provide essential support to our Armed Forces and help
advance the cause of freedom. Today, merchant mariners are
supporting operations in Afghanistan 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 determination 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
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, 2007, as National Maritime Day.
I call upon the people of the United States to mark this observance
by honoring 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
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirty-first.
GEORGE W.
BUSH
Our first day in Gibraltar was a
great success! Some thought the prices were a bit high,
but I don't think they were much aware of how expensive Europe has
become with the U.S. Dollar so weak. Exchange for Gibraltar
Pounds was 1 Pound was >$1.90 U.S. and the Euro was >$1.40.
Last time we were here the Euro was basically equal to the Dollar.
Another thing.....the rock is very
high as those who chose to walk up the steps along the wall will
surely attest. It is one long hot hike up. Others
took the Cable Car which really affords spectacular views. The
Barbary Apes tried their best to antagonize our crew and in some
instances succeeded.....the favorite trick being that they urinate
on you! Not pleasant in any sense of the word! The
fortifications and sites are really unique, especially when you
figure that Gibraltar is a mere 3 miles long. There are
literally more tunnels in the rock than there are roads on the
surface by a factor of more than 2. Something like 35 Km of
tunnels and only 13 Km of roads. A lot of the tunnels are
still used by the British Military so entrance is not possible.
The Great Siege Tunnels dating from 1799-83 are something to see as
is the Moorish Castle which was last rebuilt in 1333. Big guns
and fortifications are everywhere.
Shopping, restaurants and pubs abound and
have been well explored by all. A few even ventured to Spain
which is only two and a half miles away.
Evening thunder showers brought in
some heavy downpours and even showers into the morning hours.
That kind of put the damper on late night activities and the last
aboard was at 0101 hours this morning.
Check out our Question and
Answer page.
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