Whereas, The Propeller Club supports the basic tenets of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, and related acts, as constituting a reliable cornerstone for building a strong U.S. flag merchant fleet; and,

Whereas, A strong Merchant Marine is a vital element of our military strength; and,

Whereas, The availability of modern militarily useful commercial vessels and trained officers and crew for support to the armed services is essential to our national defense and security of our nation; and,

Whereas, An active, vigorous and sustained educational and informational program is the keystone to the promotion of the interests of the American maritime community and to the furtherance of the goals of The Propeller Club of the United States; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 22, 2004, as Maritime Day in Michigan.