Proc. 7308 Title 3--The President buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and all areas under its jurisdiction and control. I also invite all Americans to dis- play the flag at half-staff from their homes on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7308 of May 15, 2000 National Defense Transportation Day and National Transportation Week, 2000 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout the past century, America's national transportation system has played a crucial role in strengthening our economy, protecting our safety, and improving the quality of life for all Americans. Interconnecting net- works of railroads, ports, and waterways have transported millions of pas- sengers and billions of dollars' worth of freight. Our national highway sys- tem connected cities to rural communities and people to jobs. The Wright Brothers' invention of the airplane gave birth to a world-class aviation sys- tem that revolutionized travel, created new industries, and brought the na- tions of the world closer. The quality and versatility of all these modes of transportation gave our Nation a powerful defense tool as well, enabling us to move troops and material swiftly and efficiently in times of conflict and crisis. Now, as we begin a new century, our national transportation system must embrace exciting new possibilities and new challenges. One of the most important of those challenges is safety. Advances in tech- nology offer us great hope for progress in reducing accidents and fatalities. For example, the Federal Aviation Administration is working in partner- ship with the airline industry, pilots, technicians, and air traffic controllers to use improved forecasting and new communications technology to detect severe weather sooner, to let pilots and passengers know promptly about anticipated delays, and to centralize air traffic decisionmaking during se- vere storms in order to reduce delays. Automobile manufacturers are also using new technologies and design innovations--from stronger metals to new safety lights to advanced brake technology--to prevent accidents and save lives. Another of our great transportation challenges is to develop alternative fuels and clean energy sources that will not harm our environment. Earlier this year, I signed an Executive Order to ensure the Federal Government's leadership in reducing petroleum consumption and promoting the use of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). By developing and using AFVs, we can re- duce greenhouse gases and other pollutants, enhance our Nation's energy self-sufficiency by reducing the demand for imported oil, and create new products and jobs. 8O
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