Proclamation 5599.

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101 STAT. 2065 Proclamation 5599 of January 16, 1987 National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In 1973, America’s unborn children lost their legal protection. In the 14 years since then, some twenty million unborn babies, 1.5 million each year, have lost their lives by abortion—in a nation of 242 million people. This tragic and terrible toll continues, at the rate of more than 4,000 young lives lost each day. This is a shameful record; it accords with neither human decency nor our American heritage of respect for the sanctity of human life.

That heritage is deeply rooted in the hearts and the history of our people. Our Founding Fathers pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in the Declaration of Independence. They announced their unbreakable bonds with its immutable truths that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life. Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Americans of every succeeding generation have cherished our heritage of God-given human rights and have been willing to sacrifice for those rights, just as our Founders did.

Those rights are given by God to all alike. Medical evidence leaves no room for doubt that the distinct being developing in a mother’s womb is both alive and human. This merely confirms what common sense has always told us. Abortion kills unborn babies and denies them forever their rights to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Our Declaration of Independence holds that governments are instituted among men to secure these rights, and our Constitution—founded on these principles—should not be read to sanction the taking of innocent human life.

A return to our heritage of reverence and protection for the sanctity of innocent human life is long overdue. For the last 14 years and longer, many Americans have devoted themselves to restoring the right to life and to providing loving alternatives to abortion so every mother will choose life for her baby. We must recognize the courage and love mothers exhibit in keeping their babies or choosing adoption. Wa must also offer thanks and support to the millions of Americans who are willing to take on the responsibilities of adoptive parents.

And we must never cease our efforts—our appeals to the legislatures and the courts and our prayers to the Author of Life Himself— until infants before birth are once again afforded the same protection of the law we all enjoy. Our heritage as Americans bids us to respect and to defend the sanctity of human life. With every confidence in the blessing of God and the goodness of the American people, let us rededicate ourselves to this solemn duty. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Sunday, January 18, 1987, as National Sanctity of Human Life Day.

I call upon die citizens of this blessed land to gather on that day in homes and places of worship to give 101 STAT. 2066thanks for the gift of life and to reaffirm our commitment to the dignity of every human being and the sanctity of each human life. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 16th day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5600 January 20, 1987 National Safe Boating Week, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5600 of January 20, 1987 National Safe Boating Week, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation To remind Americans of the need to keep safety in mind while on the Nation’s waters, one week out of every year is designated as National Safe Boating Week.

This year, it is estimated, over 68 million Americans will enjoy boating on our country’s lakes, rivers, streams, oceans, and bays. Boating is fun and relaxing, but the marine environment is not without hazards. Therefore, it is imperative that all boaters learn and practice safe boating techniques. The theme of this year’s National Safe Boating Week, “Be Smart! Take a Boating Course!,” emphasizes the importance of learning safe ways to enjoy the sport of boating. As each year passes, our Nation’s waters become increasingly crowded with new and exciting craft.

In addition to the traditional sailboats, cruisers, canoes, and rowboats, we now have jet-powered water skis, sailboards, and high-speed power boats whose capabilities rival the racing craft of yesteryear. Because of these developments, it is vital that all boaters understand the courtesies and basic principles of boating safety. Using a boat requires knowledge and experience, just like operating an automobile. Uneducated boaters not only expose themselves to hazards, but also jeopardize their passengers and other boaters.

A lack of knowledge, coupled with fatigue, alcohol or drug use, or faulty equipment, can produce fatal results. Since the majority of boating accidents are due to operator error, education is the key to their prevention. In recognition of the need for boating safety, the Congress, by joint resolution approved June 4, 1958, as amended (36 U.S.C. 161), authorized and requested the President to proclaim annually the week commencing on the first Sunday in June as National Safe Boating Week.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning June 7, 1987, as National Safe Boating Week. I invite the Governors of the States, Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands. Guam, and American Samoa, and the Mayor of the District of Columbia to provide for the observance of this week. 101 STAT. 2067 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh.

RONALD REAGAN 5601 January 21, 1987 Imposition of Increased Tariffs on Imports of Certain Articles Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5601 of January 21, 1987 Imposition of Increased Tariffs on Imports of Certain Articles By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation 1. On March 31, 1986, I announced my decision, pursuant to section 301(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (the Act) (19 U.S.C. 2411(a)), to take action in response to restrictions imposed by the European Economic Community

(EEC)affecting imports of United States grain and oilseeds into Spain and Portugal. I determined that these restrictions deny benefits to the United States arising under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

(GATT)(61 Stat. (pts. 5 and 6)), are unreasonable, and constitute a burden and restriction on United States commerce (51 F.R. 18294). Accordingly, in Proclamation 5478 of May 15, 1986 (51 F.R. 18296), pursuant to section 301(a), (b), and (d)(1) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2411(a), (b), and (d)(1)), I imposed quantitative restrictions on imports of certain articles from the EEC in response to the EEC restrictions in Portugal. 2. In Proclamation 5478, I also announced my decision, in response to the withdrawal of tariff concessions and the application of the EEC variable levy on Spanish imports of com and sorghum, to suspend temporarily, pursuant to section 301(a), (b), and (d)(1) of the Act, the tariff concessions made by the United States under the GATT on articles described in Annex II to that proclamation. I made no immediate change in the U.S. duty rates for these articles in order to afford the EEC an opportunity to provide, by July 1, 1986, adequate compensation for the imposition of variable levies on imports of com and sorghum into Spain. I further stated that, in the event such compensation were not provided by July 1, 1986, I would proclaim increased duties for these articles as appropriate. Having due regard for the international obligations of the United States, I decided that any such increased duties on these articles would be applied on a most-favored-nation basis. 3. On July 2, 1986, the United States and the EEC reached an interim agreement whereby the EEC agreed to take measures to avoid harm to U.S. sales of corn and sorghum to the EEC for the 6-month period ending December 31, 1986. In return, the United States agreed to defer action on the imposition of increased duties on imports of certain articles into the United States during this period so as to allow time for negotiation of a definitive settlement. 4. Despite extensive negotiating efforts throughout 1986, the EEC has not yet agreed to provide satisfactory compensation. Accordingly, 1 have determined. pursuant to section 301(a), (b), and (d)(1) of the Act, that increased 101 STAT. 2068duties should be imposed on a most-favored-nation basis on the articles provided for in the Annex to this proclamation. Pursuant to general head-note 4 to the Tariff Schedules of the United States (19 U.S.C. 1202), the U.S. rates of duty for countries not receiving most-favored-nation treatment will be modified accordingly. 5. In the event that the EEC provides adequate compensation for the imposition of variable levies on corn and sorghum imports, or if other circumstances so warrant, I am authorizing the United States Trade Representative to suspend, modify, or terminate the increased duties imposed by this proclamation upon publication in the **Federal Register** of notice of his determination that such action is in the interest of the United States. Such suspension, modification, or termination shall be on a most-favored-nation basis. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, acting under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes of the United States, including but not limited to section 301(a), (b), and (d)(1) and section 604 of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2483), do proclaim that: 1. Subpart B of part 2 of the Appendix to the Tariff Schedules of the United States is modified as provided in the Annex to this proclamation. 2. The United States Trade Representative is authorized to suspend, modify, or terminate the increased duties imposed by this proclamation upon publication in the **Federal Register** of his determination that such action is in the interest of the United States. 11 **Editorial note:** See the U.S. Trade Representative notice printed in the Federal Register of Feb. 4, 1987 (52 FR 3523). 3. This proclamation shall be effective with respect to articles entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after January 30, 1987. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 21st day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN ANNEX Subpart B of the Appendix to the Tariff Schedules of the United States is modified by inserting in numerical sequence the following new items and rates of duty: Item Articles Rates of Duty 1 2 “946.15 Pork hams and shoulders, boned and cooked, packed in airtight containers holding less than 3 pounds (provided for in item 107.35, part 2B, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. Blue-mold cheese: 946.16 In original loaves (provided for in item 117.00, part 4C, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 101 STAT. 2069 Item Articles Rates of Duty 1 2 946.17 Other (provided for in item 117.05, part 4C, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.18 Edam and Gouda cheeses (provided for in item 117.25, part 4C, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.19 Other cheeses, and substitutes for cheeses, valued over 25 cents per pound, other than cheeses provided for in items 950.07, 950.08A, 950.08B, 950.09B, 950.10C, 950.10D, and 950.10E in part 3 of the Appendix to the Tariff Schedules (provided for in item 117.88, part 4C, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.20 Endive, including Witloof chicory, fresh, chilled, or frozen, not reduced in size nor otherwise prepared or preserved (provided for in item 136.10, part 8A, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.21 Carrots (whether or not reduced in size), prepared or preserved, but not packed in salt, not in brine, nor pickled, in airtight containers (provided for in item 141.82, part 8C, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.22 Olives, prepared or preserved, in brine, not ripe and not pitted or stuffed, not green in color and not packed in airtight containers of glass, metal, or glass and metal (provided for in item 148.42, part 9B, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.23 White still wines produced from grapes, containing not over 14 percent of alcohol by volume, in containers each holding not over 1 gallon, valued not over $4 per gallon (provided for in item 167.30, part 12C, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.24 Brandy (other than pisco, singani, and slivovitz), in containers each holding not over 1 gallon, valued over $13 per gallon (provided for in item 168.78, part 12D, schedule 1)v 200% ad val. 200% ad val. 946.25 Gin, in containers each holding not over 1 gallon (provided for in item 169.07, part 12D, schedule 1) 200% ad val. 200% ad val.” 5602 January 26, 1987 National Day of Excellence, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5602 of January 26, 1987 National Day of Excellence, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On January 28, 1986, America lost a great flagship, the Space Shuttle Challenger. Our Nation united in grief for the valiant crew and their families and in renewed resolve to move ahead with the peaceful exploration of space. Our space program, and the scientists, engineers, and astronauts who have made it possible, symbolize the spirit of America: optimism and ingenuity, daring and determination. Their achievements have been an inspiration and a source of national pride. We admire the brilliance, the courage, and the hard work that have contributed to our country’s preeminence in space. 101 STAT. 2070 Space exploration and the advanced technology that drives it benefit our laboratories, our industries, our farms, our hospitals, and our homes. This great adventure has enlarged our vision. Going outside our world we have come to know our own planet better—yes, and to love it as a tiny oasis of life in the engulfing vastness and silence of space. Our space program has given us a new confidence in what the future holds. We have seen expanded opportunities for scientific study, for industrial and commercial growth, for security, and for discovery. We owe an immense debt of gratitude to our space pioneers—especially to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The crew of the Challenger—Michael J. Smith, Francis R. Scobee, Gregory B. Jarvis, Ronald E. McNair, Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, and S. Christa McAuliffe—set a high standard in education and training, in skill and courage. We can offer them no finer tribute than a pledge from each of us to strive for excellence in whatever we do—to extend our grasp by reaching beyond it. For they have taught us that the sky is not the limit—not for Americans. The Congress, by Public Law 99–478, has designated January 28, 1987, as a “National Day of Excellence” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim January 28, 1987, as the National Day of Excellence. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5603 January 28, 1987 National Challenger Center Day, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5603 of January 28, 1987 National Challenger Center Day, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Will America continue to lead the world in space exploration as we move into the 21st century? The Challenger crew, lost one year ago on the 25th Space Shuttle mission, dedicated themselves to America’s leadership in space exploration. That leadership depends not only on our courage and determination, but also on the knowledge, capability, and inspiration of our students who will be the researchers and the astronauts of the 21st century. A goal of the Space Shuttle Challenger mission was to bring the study of space science directly and dramatically into the Nation’s classrooms. In recognition of the critical need to provide America’s students with access to outstanding space science education and to motivate study and 101 STAT. 2071excellence in science, the families of the Challenger crew established a Challenger Center for Space Science Education. This Center will honor the memory of the Challenger crew with an ongoing monument to their achievements, to their courage, and to their dedication to future generations of space explorers. In commemoration of the brave members of the Challenger crew, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 24, has designated January 28, 1987, as “National Challenger Center Day” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim January 28, 1987, as National Challenger Center Day, and I call on the people of the United States to observe this day by remembering the Challenger astronauts who died while serving their country and by reflecting upon the important role the Challenger Center will play in honoring their accomplishments and in furthering their goal of strengthening space and science education. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5604 January 28, 1987 American Heart Month, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5604 of January 28, 1987 American Heart Month, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and other vascular disorders, will claim the lives of nearly one million Americans this year. Cardiovascular disease is this Nation’s number one health problem—causing more deaths than cancer, accidents, pneumonia, and influenza combined—and one-fifth of all people killed by cardiovascular disease are younger than 65. More than 63 million of our citizens, more than one-fourth of our population, suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure alone threatens the lives of more than 57 million Americans age 6 and older. Heart disease strikes regardless of age, race, or sex, and its toll in human suffering is incalculable. The American Heart Association estimates the economic cost of cardiovascular diseases in 1987 will be more than $85 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses. But we are making progress against the Nation’s number one killer. The American Heart Association, a not-for-profit volunteer health agency, and the Federal government, through the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, have been working together since 1948 to find better ways to prevent cardiovascular diseases and stroke and to inform the public and educate 101 STAT. 2072the medical community about the most effective techniques to treat the disease. Medical advances such as new surgical techniques to repair heart defects, improved pharmacological therapies, emergency systems to prevent death, and knowledge to prevent heart disease from occurring have significantly reduced premature death and disability due to cardiovascular disease and stroke. From 1972 to 1984, the death rate has dropped 32.5 percent. Cardiologists and other health professionals are seeking to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by encouraging Americans to control high blood pressure, stop smoking, and reduce the amount of cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium in their diets. The American Heart Association, working with two million volunteers, has contributed to this effort through its support of research and its commitment to educating Americans about the need to adopt a sound regimen of proper diet and exercise. The Federal government, for its part, supports a wide array of cardiovascular research projects and encourages our people to reduce the risks of heart disease by maintaining good health habits. Recognizing that Americans everywhere have a role to play in this continuing battle against a major killer, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 169b), has requested the President to issue annually a proclamation designating February as American Heart Month. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of February 1987 as American Heart Month. I invite the Governors of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in reaffirming our commitment to combatting cardiovascular diseases. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5605 February 2, 1987 National Poison Prevention Week, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5605 of February 2, 1987 National Poison Prevention Week, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Accidental poisonings, in which children swallow medicines or household chemicals, continue to be a tragic public health problem in our country. Since the first National Poison Prevention Week, in 1962, our Nation’s yearly death toll has dropped by more than 80 percent. But even as we rejoice in this progress, we resolve to redouble our efforts to reduce the number and severity of childhood poisonings. 101 STAT. 2073 The National Center for Health Statistics reports that in 1984, the most recent year reported, 64 children died after accidentally swallowing household chemicals or medicines. And the American Association of Poison Control Centers in 1984 received more than 360,000 reports of ingestion of poison by children under five. Thankfully, a number of organizations, private and public, continue to do a great deal to stop these accidents. The Poison Prevention Week Council coordinates a national network of health, safety, business, and voluntary groups to increase public awareness. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission administers the Poison Prevention Act and requires child-resistant closures on many products that are potentially dangerous to children. The Poison Control Centers throughout our land provide emergency first aid information if poisonings occur. And many State and local health departments, hospitals, pharmacies, cooperative extension agents, and others conduct poison prevention programs. We can be most grateful for the caring and concern shown by these Americans. To encourage the American people to learn more about the dangers of accidental poisonings and to take more preventive measures, the Congress, by joint resolution approved September 26, 1961 (75 Stat. 681). has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March of each year as “National Poison Prevention Week.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the week beginning March 15, 1987, as National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in appropriate ceremonies and events. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5606 February 3, 1987 National Women in Sports Day, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5606 of February 3, 1987 National Women in Sports Day, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In 1865, Oberlin College established the first department of physical education for women in a coeducational school. Today, some 100 years later, women’s sports are a vital component of college life and their impact is felt far beyond the university campus. The history of women in sports is rich and long and has provided millions with an opportunity for growth, development, and the pursuit of challenging goals. From youth sports to the Olympic arena, female athletes have shown levels of spirit, talent, and accomplishment undreamt of on that midwest campus a century ago. 101 STAT. 2074 Participation in sports contributes to the emotional, physical, and intellectual development of women of all ages. Through individual and team activities, young girls develop self-discipline, initiative, respect for fair play and cooperation, and communication and leadership skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives. Early positive experiences strongly influence wholesome lifelong habits of physical fitness, and thus have a direct bearing on the health and well-being of this Nation. Great strides have been made in women’s athletics along with the realization that women are entitled to equal opportunity on and off the playing field. In 1972 only a handful of college athletic scholarships were made available for women; today they number some 10,000. In the past decade the number of women involved in college athletics has grown from 32,000 to 150,000. This same period saw a 110 percent increase in female participation in public high school sports programs. In 1984, the women on our Olympic team brought home 44 percent of the gold medals available to them, making America’s female athletes a significant force on the international sports scene. The number of women participating in sports continues to grow, and we will continue to assure that more opportunities are created. From coach to administrator, women play an important role in the development of athletic programs for people of all ages. In recognition of the contributions women’s sports have made to this country, and of the need to further advance women’s sports, the Congress, by Public Law 99–540, has designated February 4, 1987, as “National Women in Sports Day” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 4, 1987, as National Women in Sports Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5607 February 9, 1987 Congratulating Stars and Stripes on Its Victory in the America’s Cup Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5607 of February 9, 1987 Congratulating *Stars and Stripes* on Its Victory in the America’s Cup By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation All Americans congratulate Dennis Conner and the crew of *Stars and Stripes* for their splendid victory in the America’s Cup. The *Stars and Stripes* team, representing the San Diego Yacht Club, traveled to the west coast of Australia to compete with the best yachts and 101 STAT. 2075best yachtsmen in the world. In a lengthy series of exhausting and exciting races, it successfully defeated eleven challengers for the right to face New Zealand in the finals of the challenger’s division. Although the *Kiwi* had compiled a most impressive record in earlier races, *Stars and Stripes* defeated the New Zealand boat 4 to 1 to earn the right to sail for the Cup against the Australian defender. In the final series, *Stars and Stripes* defeated *Kookaburra III* 4 to 0 to capture the America’s Cup and bring the trophy back to the United States. Throughout the competition, the Australian team and the Australian people demonstrated to the world their sportsmanship and their unsurpassed hospitality. The skill and determination of the *Stars and Stripes* team captured the imagination of the American people. They demonstrated the traits that have long characterized this country at its best—optimism, dedication, teamwork, and an eagerness to master the most advanced technology and put it to good use. In honor of the *Stars and Stripes’* victory in the America’s Cup, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 131, has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation expressing to Dennis Conner and the crew the thanks and admiration of our Nation. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim to Dennis Conner and the crew of *Stars and Stripes* the heartfelt congratulations and appreciation of our Nation for a job well done and for filling our sails with confidence and pride. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5608 February 12, 1987 National Year of Thanksgiving, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5608 of February 12, 1987 National Year of Thanksgiving, 1987 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation We, as a people, have been truly blessed, and for these blessings we should be everlastingly grateful to the God to Whose providence this Nation was committed from its very inception. President Washington issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789 “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful heart the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” To remind us of our own rich heritage and the blessings of life in America, 1987 has been designated the National Year of Thanksgiving. It is no coinci-101 STAT. 2076dence that this is the year in which we celebrate the 200th anniversary of our Constitution. The early settlers of our country possessed a strength and a conviction based on their faith in God that helped them withstand the rigors and hardships of carving a nation out of wilderness. They laid a firm foundation built on the worth, dignity, and inalienable rights of the individual. For sustaining them and granting them success in bringing forth on this continent a new Nation, they praised the Almighty and His mercy. Throughout our history our Presidents have summoned the Nation to continue this tradition of praise and thanksgiving. From George Washington kneeling in the snow at Valley Forge to Abraham Lincoln praying for the preservation of the Union to Franklin Roosevelt expressing confidence the prayers of mankind would bring us through to victory, we have turned with faith and trust to the One Who holds the whole wide world in His hands. The national celebration of the Bicentennial of the Constitution also gives us an opportunity to remember and honor those who gathered in Philadelphia to forge a document that would provide a blueprint for this great Nation. Benjamin Franklin, the oldest member of the Assembly, reminded his fellow delegates that God had heard their prayers during their struggle for Independence. Should they not remember, he asked, that God governs in the affairs of men? “If a sparrow cannot fall without His notice,” he urged them, “how can an empire rise without His aid?” We look to the future of our Nation in this same spirit. Let us thank God for our constitutional form of government, for our precious freedoms of speech, assembly, religion, and the press, and for all those who sacrificed to preserve them in peace and in war for two centuries. In recognition of the vital role that expressions of thanksgiving play in our national heritage, the Congress, by Public Law 99–265, has designated 1987 as a “National Year of Thanksgiving” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this event. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim 1987 as a National Year of Thanksgiving, and I urge all Americans during this year to celebrate and demonstrate our gratitude for God’s blessings and to be grateful for our heritage and our future. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and eleventh. RONALD REAGAN 5609 February 17, 1987 American Red Cross Month, 1987 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

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