Congressional Resolution
In 1996, the United States Congress made a joint resolution supporting OpSail. Here is the text:
PUBLIC LAW 104–282—OCT. 9, 1996 110 STAT. 3361 Public Law 104–282
104th Congress Joint Resolution To commend Operation Sail for its advancement of brotherhood among nations, its continuing commemoration of the history of the United States, and its nurturing of young cadets through training in seamanship.
Whereas Operation Sail is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to building good will among nations and encouraging international camaraderie;
Whereas Operation Sail has represented and promoted the United States of America in the international tall ship community since 1964, organizing and participating in numerous tall ship events across the United States and around the world;
Whereas Operation Sail has worked in partnership with every American President since President John F. Kennedy;
Whereas Operation Sail has established a great tradition of celebrating major events and milestones in United States history with a gathering of the world’s tall ships, and will continue this great tradition with a gathering of ships in New York Harbor, called OpSail 2000, to celebrate the 224th birthday of the United States of America and to welcome the new millennium;
Whereas President Clinton has endorsed OpSail 2000, as Presidents Kennedy, Carter, Reagan, and Bush have endorsed Operation Sail in previous endeavors;
Whereas OpSail 2000 promises to be the largest gathering in history of tall ships and other majestic vessels like those that have sailed the ocean for centuries;
Whereas in conjunction with OpSail 2000, the United States Navy will conduct an International Naval Review; and
Whereas the International Naval Review will include a naval aircraft carrier as a symbol of the international good will of the United States of America:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
That— (1) Operation Sail is commended for its advancement of brotherhood among nations, its continuing commemoration of the history of the United States, and its nurturing of young cadets through training in seamanship;
(2) all Americans and citizens of nations around the world are encouraged to join in the celebration of the 224th birthday of the United States of America and the international camaraderie that Operation Sail and the International Naval Review will foster;
and Oct. 9, 1996 [S.J. Res. 64] 110 STAT. 3362 PUBLIC LAW 104–282—OCT. 9, 1996 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—S.J. Res. 64: CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 142 (1996): Sept. 24, considered and passed Senate. Sept. 27, considered and passed House. Æ
(3) Operation Sail is encouraged to continue into the next millennium to represent and promote the United States of America in the international tall ship community, and to continue organizing and participating in tall ship events across the United States and around the world. Approved October 9, 1996.