Delaware General Assembly


CHAPTER 406

STATE OF DELAWARE

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the American Merchant Marine has always displayed its ability to support the military forces of the United States of America by furnishing supplies to her fighting units; and

WHEREAS, the Port of Wilmington contributed greatly to the arsenal of democracy through transportation of vital materials from this growing industrial center; and

WHEREAS, the American Merchant Marine has continued to promote international trade and travel while serving the defense and security of this nation; and

WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States has taken note of the historic fact that on May 22, 1819, the "Savannah" became the first steamship to successfully make a trans-Atlantic voyage under such propulsion, and since the President of the United States has proclaimed May 22, 1957, as a day of honor to the Merchant Marine; now

THEREFORE, I, J. CALEB BOGGS, Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby proclaim that the citizens of the First State take cognizance of this anniversary and pay tribute to the brave men of our Merchant Marine by observing May 22, 1957, as

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY

I call upon our schools, marine organizations, patriotic groups and all others to especially mark this day and urge that the flags of our country and the State of Delaware be prominently displayed in commemoration of the Savannah's historic voyage.

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 Twentieth day of May in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and eighty-first.

(GREAT SEAL)

J. CALEB BOGGS, Governor

JOHN N. McDOWELL, Secretary of State