Proc. 8017 Title 3--The President To recognize the men and women who work in the transportation industry and who contribute to our Nation's well being and defense, the Congress, by ioint resolution approved May 16, 1957, as amended (36 U.S.C. \17720), has designated the third Friday in May each year as "National Defense Transportation Day," and, by ioint resolution approved May \1774, \177962, as amended (36 U.S.C. \17733), declared that the week during which that Friday falls be designated as "National Transportation Week." NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, May 19, 2006, as National Defense Transportation Day and May \1774 through May 20, 2006, as National Trans- portation Week. I encourage all Americans to learn how our modern trans- portation system contributes to the security of our citizens and the pros- perity of our country and to celebrate these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtieth. GEORGE W. BUSH Proclamation 8017 of May 12, 2006 National Safe Boating Week, 2006 By the President of the United States of Arnerica A Proclamation By providing an opportunity to experience our Nation's scenic waterways, recreational boating is one of our country's most popular activities. During National Safe Boating Week, we underscore the importance of taking safety precautions before going out on the water and encourage all Americans to make responsible decisions while boating. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the enactment of the Federal Boat Safety Act, which has helped reduce the number of recreational boating deaths in our country. Yet despite significant progress, recreational boating accidents still occur and, tragically, the majority of them are preventable. Operator inattention and inexperience, careless and reckless navigation, and excessive speed are the leading contributing factors of all reported ac- cidents. An estimated 70 percent of reported boating fatalities in 2004 oc- curred on boats where the operator had not received safety instruction, and of those victims who drowned, nearly 90 percent were not wearing life jackets. America's boat owners and operators play a large role in helping ensure passenger safety. The United States Coast Guard initiative "You're in Com- mand" selves to educate boaters about how to enjoy our Nation's waters safely and responsibly. For more information about being safe while on the water, boaters can visit uscgboating.org and safeboatingcampaign.com. By taking simple precautions such as wearing a life jacket, taking a boating safety course, getting a Vessel Safety Check, and never boating under the 54
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