Whereas, On May 22, 1819, the SS Savannah departed Savannah, Georgia, en route to Liverpool, England, on the first voyage across the Atlantic by steam; and,

Whereas, This historic voyage marked the beginning of the steamship age in maritime history; and, 

Whereas, Men and women from each of our states who are serving in the American merchant Marine are honored on this day each year along with the many seamen who lost their lives in the World Wars and those who served with such courage and dedication in the Korean, Vietnam, and Persian Gulf conflicts; and,

Whereas, Today our merchant fleet binds us in peaceful commerce with increasingly interdependent nations of the world; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2005, as Maritime Day in Michigan and I encourage all citizens to recognize the dedication of the Propeller Club of the United States to honor the distinguished contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine.