03/20/1966
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"As this Nation's economy continues to expand, we will continue to need ships—fast, modern descendants of the famous 'Clippers'—to carry our products to the far corners of the earth and return with the..."
"Today the American Merchant Marine continues a long tradition of essential service to the American economy and defense."
"As long as the United States may be called upon to defend the Free World's interests anywhere on the globe, our ships are necessary to insure continuous supply of the military material that helps to p..."
"To remind the American people of the important role of the American Merchant Marine in the life of this Nation, the Congress in 1933 designated May 22 of each year as National Maritime Day and request..."