Proclamation 5938.
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103 STAT. 2992 Proclamation 5938 of February 28, 1989 American Red Cross Month, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Red Cross, as a symbol and an ideal, has meant help and reassurance to millions of Americans and people around the world. To Henry Dunant, founder of the International Red Cross 125 years ago, help meant a bright red cross on a white banner, carried onto battlefields by those tending wounded soldiers and civilians innocently caught in conflict.
To Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, help meant all that Dunant envisioned plus a system by which people could voluntarily help each other cope during times of disaster, not just during war. Today, we need only look to the success of the American Red Cross to see how both visions have become realities. Whether it has been in a major emergency like the tornadoes that struck North Carolina last fall or in the aftermath of the terrible death and destruction of the earthquake in Armenia, the Red Cross has been there extending the hand of help.
In 1988. 4.2 million people were given emergency food, clothing, and shelter by more than 78 thousand Red Cross disaster volunteers. Clara Barton’s dream of mitigating the suffering of disaster victims also brought an understanding of the need to help the entire population to be better prepared for day-to-day emergencies. This has meant teaching 7.1 million people first aid, Red Cross CPR, swimming, and water and boating safety. Now, perhaps more than ever, we realize how education can mean survival as we and people around the world face the deadly threat of AIDS.
The Red Cross has helped us understand this health crisis by disseminating AIDS prevention information. Thousands of persons needing blood owe a debt of gratitude to the American Red Cross. From recruitment of volunteer donors to collecting and testing that ensures the safest blood possible, last year the Red Cross was able to provide our ill and injured with 6.4 million units of blood. Our American Red Cross also provides important humanitarian service to our military personnel and their families, including counseling and assistance and referral services for active-duty military, veterans, and their dependents.
Our young people, too—more than 3 million of them—have made a valuable commitment to public service through the Red Cross. From organizing high school and college bloodmobiles to visiting patients in hospitals and retirement homes, youth programs are another reason why we should appreciate the work of this remarkable organization. From the visions of Henry Dunant and Clara Barton have come one of the greatest volunteer movements tn history. The strength of the Red Cross can be seen every day, everywhere, through the work of people who believe that a successful life must include serving others, it is through their commitment that a bright red cross on a white banner continues to mean hope, dignity, and compassion to thousands of people in need, both here at home and around the world. 103 STAT. 2993 NOW.
THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH. President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American National Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the month of March 1989 as American Red Cross Month. I urge all Americans to continue their generous support and ready assistance to the work of the American Red Cross and its nearly 3,000 Chapters and stations on military installations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth.
GEORGE BUSH 5939 March 1, 1989 Save Your Vision Week, 1989 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5939 of March 1, 1989 Save Your Vision Week, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Vision is a precious gift—one we too often take for granted until it is impaired or lost entirely. For thousands of Americans, this is a need-less loss because sight-saving treatments are now available for many disorders that once caused blindness.
Generally, the earlier a disease is detected, the better the chance of interrupting its destructive process. Therefore, if we take some simple precautions, most of us can expect to enjoy good vision all of our lives. A periodic examination by an eye-care professional is the best way to detect an eye problem before it impairs or destroys vision. This is especially important for young children; diabetics, who are at increased risk for several eye diseases; and older Americans, who are at higher risk for glaucoma, aging-related retinal degeneration, and cataracts.
Because visual problems in young children are often difficult to detect, a professional eye examination is vital. An untreated eye problem in a child may needlessly interfere with learning or play or lead to permanent visual loss. At a minimum, children should have their vision checked by their pediatrician, family physician, or an eye specialist at or before age four. For the more than 11 million Americans who have diabetes, regular eye checkups are especially important for preventing loss of vision.
For years, diabetic retinopathy has been the leading cause of new cases of blindness among middle-aged Americans. Now, however, improved treatments for this disease can save many thousands from blindness— if treatment is begun early. Because many aging-related eye diseases begin in the middle years, periodic eye examinations are important for everyone older than 40. For example, glaucoma can begin unnoticed in middle age and gradually progress to blindness. A simple, painless test to measure pressure within the eye is used to screen for possible glaucoma.
If the disease is 103 STAT. 2994suspected, other teats are used to confirm the diagnosis, Detected early, glaucoma usually can be controlled by medications before serious damage is done to the optic nerve. Early detection of aging-related retinal disease is also important. Thanks to research supported by the Federal Government’s National Eye Institute, laser treatment has been shown to be effective in preserving the reading vision of those with an advanced form of this disease.
The old adage about “an ounce of prevention” is certainly true for eye injuries. Of the estimated 1.6 million eye injuries that occur each year, 90 percent are preventable—by learning and following simple rules of eye safety in the workplace, athletic arena, home, or garden, we can prevent serious visual loss due to accident. For example, safety glasses worn while working with chemicals, or protective headgear while playing a contact sport, can mean the difference between a lifetime of good vision and permanently limited or lost eyesight To remind all Americans of the importance of proper eye care, the Congress, by joint resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 629, 36 U.S.C. 169a), has requested the President to proclaim the first week in March of each year as “Save Your Vision Week,” NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH.
President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the week of March 5 through March 11, 1989, as “Save Your Vision Week.” I urge all Americans to participate in this observance by making eye care and eye safety an important part of their lives. I also invite eye-care professionals, the media, and all public and private organizations committed to public health to join in activities that will make Americans more aware of the steps they can take to protect their vision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH 5940 March 2, 1989 National Poison Prevention Week, 1989 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5940 of March 2, 1989 National Poison Prevention Week, 1969 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since the first National Poison Prevention Week, in 1962, thousands of American children under age five have been saved from accidental poisonings, thanks to the combined efforts of consumers, health professionals, government, and industry.
Each year, the distribution of printed materials, activities at State and local levels, and media broadcasting all remind consumers to use child-resistant packaging and to store medicines and household chemicals out of the reach of young children. Data compiled annually by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that the number of child poisonings has decreased by more 103 STAT. 2995than 70 percent since 1972, when the first drugs were required to have child-resistant packaging.
Life-saving treatment advice by poison control centers when a poisoning does occur has also been a valuable factor. Many lives have been saved, but there is more to do. We must continue to instruct new parents and grandparents on the need to use child-resistant packaging and to keep medicines and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Underlying our poison prevention program is the assumption that virtually all childhood poisonings are preventable. 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, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning March 19, 1969, as National Poison Prevention Week. 1 call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in appropriate ceremonies and events and by learning how to prevent childhood poisonings.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH 5941 March 8, 1989 Federal Employees Recognition Week, 1989 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5941 of March 8, 1989 Federal Employees Recognition Week, 1969 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Nineteen hundred and eighty-nine marks the two hundredth year of uninterrupted governance under the Constitution of the United States.
It is a fitting occasion to honor those of our fellow citizens who are pledged by solemn oath to “support and defend” that Constitution. As capable and dedicated Federal employees, these men and women have contributed to the success of free, democratic government both here and around the world. Federal employees speed our mail, guard our borders, and care for our ailing veterans. They conduct medical research that will lead to cures for devastating illnesses, they man the spacecraft that probe the boundaries of the universe, and they help the men and women of the Armed Forces maintain our national security.
In countless ways. Federal employees serve our country with skill and dedication, seeing to it that the will of the American people is carried out effectively. Federal employees show us the meaning of public service off the job as well. Thousands of churches, fraternal lodges, voluntary associations, 103 STAT. 2996and community groups across the country have come to count on the generosity and active involvement of Federal employees. Those individuals dedicated to serving our country as employees of the Federal Government deserve our respect, gratitude, and recognition.
Accordingly, by House Joint Resolution 22, the Congress has designated the week beginning March 6, 1909, as “Federal Employees Recognition Week” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH. President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning March 6, 1909, as Federal Employees Recognition Week. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities, in recognition of the skillful and loyal service provided the Republic by employees of the Federal Government.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH 5942 March 17, 1989 National Day of Prayer, 1989 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 5942 of March 17, 1989 National Day of Prayer, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our Nation’s history, Americans have been a prayerful people, giving thanks to our Creator for the blessings of liberty and seeking His help and guidance in preserving them.
Those who braved the long ocean journey from Europe to first settle in the American colonies were men and women of varied, but equally devout, religious beliefs. Many had been persecuted for those beliefs at home, and they sought a new land where they might be able to worship freely. Years later, our forefathers would clearly remember this and begin our Bill of Rights with the guarantee that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.
” But it was not just the experience of their ancestors that led the Founding Fathers to shape a free and democratic government for our Nation. On the contrary, their view of the rights of man and the proper role of government were derived from their firm faith in God. They believed that all men are created equal, “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Any system of government they established must guarantee individual Liberty and equality before the law, for freedom is the God-given right of all men.
Calling for daily prayer at the Constitutional Convention, a number of delegates expressed their conviction that only with divine guidance would the new democracy be true and successful. “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice,” observed Benjamin Franklin, “is it probable that an empire can rise 103 STAT. 2997without His aid?” Dr. Franklin knew that human wisdom alone could neither build nor keep a free and just government. As our first President, George Washington would continue to pray for guidance from “that powerful Friend” invoked by Ben Franklin.
“I shall take my present leave,” said the new President, “but not without resorting once more to that benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that . . . His blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations and the wise measures on which the success of this government must depend.” Immediately after his Inauguration, President Washington made his way with the Congress through the crowds of well-wishers from Federal Hall to Saint Paul’s chapel.
There a prayer service was offered by the Chaplain of Congress for our new Nation. The great faith that led our Nation’s Founding Fathers to pursue this bold experiment in self-government has sustained us in uncertain and perilous times; it has given us strength and inspiration to this very day. Like them, we do well to recall our “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence,” to give thanks for the freedom and prosperity this Nation enjoys, and to pray for continued help and guidance from our wise and loving Creator.
For what President Washington wrote 200 years ago remains true today: “the liberty enjoyed by the people of these States, of worshipping Almighty God agreeably to their consciences, is not only among the choicest of their blessings, but also of their rights,” Since the approval of the joint resolution of the Congress on April 17, 1952, calling for the designation of a specific day to be set aside each year as a National Day of Prayer, recognition of such a day has become a cherished annual event.
Each President since then has pro-claimed a National Day of Prayer annually under the authority of that resolution, continuing a tradition that actually dates back to the Continental Congress, which issued the first official proclamation for a National Day of Prayer on July 12, 1775. By Public Law 100–307, the first Thursday in May of each year has been set aside as a National Day of Prayer. NOW. THEREFORE, 1, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 4, 1989, as a National Day of Prayer.
I invite the people of this great Nation to gather together on that day in homes and places of worship to pray, each after his or her own manner, for unity in the hearts of all mankind. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH 5943 March 18, 1988 National Agriculture Day, 1989 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
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- 36 USC 169a
- Pub. L. 100-307
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