Proclamation 9895-National Maritime Day, 2019
Issued 2019-05-20 by Donald J. Trump
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Trump issued this proclamation designating May 22, 2019, as National Maritime Day. The proclamation honors members of the United States Merchant Marine who serve in commercial shipping and support military operations. It does not create any new requirements or programs—it simply calls upon Americans to observe the day by displaying the flag and asks ships sailing under the American flag to dress ship.
The proclamation recognizes merchant mariners for their role in importing and exporting billions of dollars of goods including fuel, agricultural products, and raw materials. It notes that these mariners respond to national disasters and, during wartime, sail into combat zones to deliver weapons and supplies to military forces. The proclamation also mentions that President Trump recently signed an executive order to help military veterans transition into merchant marine careers by allowing them to apply their military training toward civilian credentials.
This matters because it brings public attention to an industry and workforce that most Americans rarely think about. Congress established National Maritime Day in 1933 to commemorate the first transoceanic steamship voyage by the S.S. Savannah in 1819, and it authorized presidents to issue annual proclamations marking the observance. This ceremonial proclamation continues that longstanding tradition without imposing any legal obligations on citizens or changing federal policy.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9895-National Maritime Day, 2019" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to maritime. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Donald J. Trump, 2019 Proclamation 9895—National Maritime Day, 2019 May 20, 2019 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On National Maritime Day, we honor the men and women who, throughout our history, have served with professionalism, dedication, and patriotism in the United States Merchant Marine. We recognize these seafaring merchant mariners for helping to fuel our economy, maintain our sea power, and support our national security. Merchant mariners extend goodwill into all parts of the world, serving as a peaceful United States presence on international waterways. Today, American mariners facilitate the import and export of billions of dollars of goods, including fuel, agricultural products, and raw materials through the Marine Transportation System. They are also among the first to respond to help their fellow citizens in the wake of national disasters. During times of war, merchant mariners courageously sail into combat zones to provide sealift for the Department of Defense, carrying weapons and supplies to America's fighting forces. In every conflict, United States citizen mariners have answered the call to duty and risked their lives. Some have sadly made the ultimate sacrifice for their co