United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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George Bush Vice President Of The United States

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THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON April 17, 1984 To the Class of 1984 United States Merchant Marine Academy: I extend to each of you my congratulations on having met the high standards established for students at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. With the successful completion of your academic training and shipboard assignments, you join a select group of individuals qualified to serve as officers in the United States merchant marine. On March 20 of this year, I had the pleasure of signing into law the Shipping Act of 1984, the most significant maritime legislation in nearly 70 years. The new law streamlines regulatory proceedings and clarifies the applicability of our antitrust laws to ocean liner shipping. It will enable U.S.-flag liner operators to compete more effectively against their foreign counterparts. Much work remains to be done to revitalize the U.S. merchant marine. However, I am confident that, just as today marks a milestone in your lives, the enactment of the Shipping Act of 1984 will be seen as a turning point for the merchant marine. As today's new officers and tomorrow's maritime leaders, I know you are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the future. You have my best wishes for success. God bless you.

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THE VICE PRESIDENT WAS HIN GTON June 18, 1984 To the Class of 1984 U. S. Merchant Marine Academy King's Point, New York I am delighted to be able to wish you Godspeed as you achieve a passage in life so significant that the entire nation joins your family and friends in admiration. You will find a whole new reason for mature humility in the Merchant Marine. As when you entered the Academy, you'll be starting over. You'll be earning your way every day, building a career in service to a country that is not only very proud of you but also very demanding of you. This is a healthy process which you should anticipate with confidence. The nation's highest trust is being put into your hands. You may be surprised by the substantial weight of your trusteeship. But you will see yourself step up and carry responsibility with honor and competence. Honor and duty are in the core of your daily life----- you know it, and your country knows it. You will find no loss of individuality in upholding the great and proven tradition of the American Merchant Marine----indeed you will find tremendous opportunity in being one of those talented few whose grasp of fact and principle will cause others to invite you to help shape the future of our nation. Leadership is not just something you feel; it is something you are. You stand on the threshold of our nation's destiny with the tools to help build a stronger country. Give your best to your country, and the country will reward you with years rich in achievement and satisfaction. You are each the standard by which the world will measure what the words Merchant Marine really mean. I know you'll like the standard you set. We are very, very proud of you. With hearty best wishes,