CHAPTER 573
STATE OF DELAWARE
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the American Merchant Marine has been a tremendous asset in the ever-growing position of this nation as a leading maritime power; and
WHEREAS, the maritime personnel who contribute greatly to the exchange of trade and travel have won the respect and admiration of the American public; and
WHEREAS, the Port of Wilmington, Delaware, greatly benefits through the ever-increasing number of tankers and cargo ships that ply the waters of the world exchanging goods; and
WHEREAS, this marks the twentieth anniversary of our nation having first recognized the American Merchant Marine by commemorating a day to the "Savannah", first steam-propelled vessel to cross the Atlantic Ocean in 1819; and
WHEREAS, the continued contributions of those who plan, execute or man these vessels in peace or war merit the applause of the American people:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, J. Caleb Boggs, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby urge the citizens of our state to observe May 22, 1953, as
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY
by displaying the flag of our country and the State flag at all appropriate places, and by learning all they can about the American Merchant Marine and its contribution to the people of the world. I further hope that appropriate attention will be called to this day by civic, fraternal and other organizations as well as in our schools and colleges so that everyone may have a greater understanding of the services rendered by our merchant marine personnel and vessels.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, J. Caleb Boggs, Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed, at Dover, this Twenty first day of May in the year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty-three and of the Independence of the United States the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh.
(GREAT SEAL)
By the Governor:
ELBERT N. CARVEL
HARRIS B. McDOWELL, JR., Secretary of State.