LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim May 22, 2009, as Maritime Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who give
positive definition to the profile and disposition of our American char-
acter profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to the exercise of
freedom; and
WHEREAS, National Maritime Day commemorates the first voyage of a
steamship across the Atlantic Ocean; and
WHEREAS, On May 22, 1819, the S.S. Savannah departed for Europe under
steam; although the ship was also rigged with sails, it paved the way
for future steamship success; and
WHEREAS, The United States Congress, by joint resolution of May 20,
1933, designated May 22 of each year as National Maritime Day; and
WHEREAS, Today, National Maritime Day honors shipping and merchant
marines in general; and
WHEREAS, The American Merchant Marine is the lifeline which links
America with its overseas trading partners; in times of peace, it builds
our economy; in times of national emergency, it provides logistic
support to our United States Armed Forces; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim May 22, 2009, as
Maritime Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, New York.