Proclamation 6092.

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

104 STAT. 5210 Proclamation 6092 of February 8, 1990 National Bum Awareness Week, 1990 and 1991 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Burn injury is a serious problem in the United States. Each year, some two million people suffer from bum injuries. Approximately 70,000 of these Americans must be hospitalized for some period of time, and more than 12,000 bum victims die each year as a result of their injuries. Tragically, children, elderly men and women, and persons with disabilities are those most likely to become the victims of serious bums.

All Americans can make their homes, cars, and workplaces safer by learning more about the causes of bum injuries and how to prevent them. One of the most important steps we can take is installing—and carefully maintaining—smoke detectors in our homes and places of business. Developing good safety habits is also critical. For example, both children and adults should take time to learn about the safe use of stoves, heaters, and electrical power. Adults should be sure to know the proper way to store and handle flammable materials, and every American should learn what to do in the event of fire, including the “Stop, drop, and roll” maneuver that can help prevent serious bum injuries.

Those families that have not yet done so should make plans for escaping a house fire—and every American family should review and practice the plan it has. In recent years, scientific research has yielded major advances in the prevention and treatment of bum injuries. The development of new technology and materials has helped bring about the production of safer fabrics and improved fire detection equipment. Improved medical techniques are helping to reduce the time bum victims must spend in the hospital.

They are also saving lives. Today greater assistance is available to those suffering from the psychological and emotional impact of bum injuries. Across the country, dedicated health care professionals, firefighters, and educators are working tirelessly to prevent bum injuries and to care for those who fall victim to them. In recognition of their efforts and in order to promote public awareness of the need to prevent bum injuries, the Congress, by Senate joint Resolution 217, has designated the weeks beginning February 4, 1990, and February 3, 1991, as “National Bum Awareness Week.

” NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the weeks of February 4 through February 10, 1990. and February 3 through February 9, 1991, as National Burn Awareness Week. I call upon all Government agencies, health care organizations, public safety organizations, and the people of the United States to observe these weeks with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and 104 STAT. 5211of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH 6093 181st Anniversary of the Birth of Abraham Lincoln Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6093 of February 12, 1990 181st Anniversary of the Birth of Abraham Lincoln By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation A true friend of the common man and a courageous leader at our Nation’s greatest hour of trial, Abraham Lincoln occupies a special place of honor in the hearts of all Americans.

Each February 12, as we commemorate the anniversary of his birth, we celebrate the peace and unity of purpose President Lincoln reclaimed for this country—and the shining hope he restored to all mankind. When he became President in 1861, Abraham Lincoln was faced with a grave crisis: seven States, determined to preserve the institution of slavery and to assert what they viewed as their sovereign rights, had seceded from the Union. After a military confrontation at Fort Sumter, the Civil War began.

Lincoln believed that the success of our Nation’s great experiment in self-government depended on the strength and integrity of the Union and on the degree to which Americans, as well as the national Government, remained true to the ideals expressed at the Founding. Although the War tried his skills as President and tested whether a nation “so conceived and so dedicated” could long endure, his convictions proved unshakable. In a July 4th Address to the Congress, he declared that the War was nothing less than “a struggle for maintaining in the world, that form and substance of government whose leading object is to elevate the condition of men ... to afford all an unfettered start, and a fair chance, in the race of life.

” Abraham Lincoln knew that for the United States to endure, it must remain faithful to the noble ideal enshrined in our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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.” Lincoln believed that excluding any human beings from this promise undermines the moral foundation on which our Nation rests.

He had once argued that our Nation’s Founding Fathers “meant to set up a standard maxim for a free society, which should be familiar to all, and revered by all; constantly looked to, constantly labored for . . . thereby constantly spreading and deepening its influence and augmenting the happiness and value of life to all people of all colors everywhere.” Lincoln knew that our Nation must always strive to fulfill its great promise, or risk its very existence. Throughout the course of the War, Lincoln remained fully committed to the idea of liberty under law.

For him, striving to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of individuals was not only compatible with preserving the Union, but essential to it. In 1864, when he was elected 104 STAT. 5212to a second term in office, Lincoln reflected aloud: “We cannot have free government without elections: and if the rebellion could force us to forego or postpone a national election, it might fairly claim to have already conquered and ruined us.” The success of the electoral process reaffirmed Lincoln’s conviction that the principles upon which our Nation was founded must—and could—withstand the fiery ordeal it now suffered.

Lincoln’s leadership throughout the Civil War was inspired by a firm belief in those principles. Abraham Lincoln’s aversion to the institution of slavery was known long before he took office. Perhaps it was his experience as a young man, clearing land on the frontier and working odd jobs while he studied law, that enabled him to see the injustice of earning one’s bread as the fruit of another man’s labor. Ultimately, however, Lincoln saw slavery as dehumanizing, a cruel contrast to the ideals expressed in our Nation’s Declaration of Independence.

In 1858, campaigning for the Senate, he reminded an audience at Edwardsville, Illinois, that our Nation’s strength and purpose are found in the spirit that prizes liberty as the heritage of all men. “Destroy this spirit,” the young statesman warned, “and you have planted the seeds of despotism at your own doors. . . . Accustomed to trample on the rights of others, you have lost the genius of your own independence and become the fit subjects of the first cunning tyrant who rises among you.

” Lincoln realized that slavery violently contradicted the shining promise of America. His issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation became a decisive factor in the Civil War—and one of the historic and crowning achievements of Lincoln’s life. Leading our country through the perilous years of civil war, Abraham Lincoln ensured its safe passage by remaining faithful to the principles upon which it was founded. Today, as we mark the anniversary of his birth, we are grateful for his courage and wisdom, and for his example.

With an unfailing commitment to justice and an equally profound sense of mercy and compassion, Lincoln exhorted his fellow Americans to act “with malice toward none, with charity for all.” He cared for the Union and for the individual Americans of all races, all conditions, and all regions. In his eyes, the great experiment in self-government launched by our Nation’s Founders represented “the last, best hope of Earth.” Today, recalling the timeless spirit of his historic Gettysburg Address, let us rededicate ourselves to “the unfinished work” Abraham Lincoln so nobly advanced.

As individuals and as a Nation, let us strive to be governed “by the better angels of our nature,” always choosing the sure and righteous course marked for us by the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. This is the cause for which Lincoln gave his life, and it is the cause that we, too, must represent in the world and carry on for the sake of generations yet unborn. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, 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 urge all Americans to observe February 12, 1990—the 181st anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln—with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities designed to honor his memory and to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals he so faithfully defended. 104 STAT. 5213 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH 6094 Vocational-Technical Education Week, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6094 of February 12, 1990 Vocational-Technical Education Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout the history of the United States, the American people have always had the highest regard for practical invention and design. Today we still value the skillful use of tools and technology, as well as the application of innovative ideas.

Both are vital to the success of business and industry, and both are vital to a strong economy. This week, we recognize the importance of vocational and technical education in our Nation’s public and private schools. If the United States is to remain a leader in the increasingly competitive global marketplace, it must not only be committed to excellence in the production of goods and services, but also be capable of achieving it. By preparing young men and women for work in highly specialized technical fields, vocational-technical education programs make an important contribution to our Nation’s strength and productivity.

The students and teachers engaged in vocational-technical education know that it holds great rewards for individuals, as well as for the Nation. Through vocational-technical education, aspiring entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and skills they need to establish and maintain their own businesses. Many other students pursue exciting careers in health care, electronics, engineering, and other challenging fields. Graduates of vocational-technical education programs can take great pride in knowing that they possess the kind of learning and expertise relied upon by millions of people every day.

In short, vocational-technical education works—and it works for all of us. In acknowledgment of the great value of vocational and technical education, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 130, has designated the week of February 11 through February 17, 1990, as “Vocational-Technical Education Week” 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 of February 11 through February 17, 1990, as Vocational-Technical Education Week.

I invite all Americans to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities designed to highlight the benefits of quality vocational-technical education. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and 104 STAT. 5214of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6095 American Heart Month, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6095 of February 13, 1990 American Heart Month, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Approximately every 32 seconds, someone in the United States dies of some form of heart and blood vessel disease.

Heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular disease kills nearly one million Americans every year. In fact, cardiovascular diseases cause almost as many deaths annually as cancer, accidents, pneumonia, influenza, and all other causes of death combined. Nearly 67 million Americans currently suffer from one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, and stroke. While many people mistakenly assume that heart disease occurs primarily in old age, studies show that 5 percent of all heart attacks occur in people under age 40, and more than 45 percent occur in people before age 65.

Women as well as men are at risk. Heart attack is the number one killer of American women, surpassing even breast cancer and lung cancer. Approximately 244,000 of the more than 512,000 people who die each year of heart attack—nearly half—are women. In all, heart attack and other forms of heart and blood vessel disease claim the lives of nearly half a million women each year. Cardiovascular diseases exact an incalculable toll in human pain and suffering. They also inflict a heavy cost on our Nation in terms of health care expenses and lost productivity.

The annual costs of cardio-vascular-related physician and nursing services, hospital and nursing home services, medications, and lost work due to disability total in the billions of dollars. Fortunately, the outlook is not all gloomy. The latest reports show that age-adjusted death rates for cardiovascular diseases declined slightly more than 24 percent between 1977 and 1988. Advances in both the treatment and the prevention of heart and blood vessel diseases account for much of this progress.

Since 1948, the Federal Government, through the National Heart. Lung, and Blood Institute, and the American Heart Association, a private not- for-profit organization, have spent millions of dollars on educational programs and research into cardiovascular diseases. The American Heart Association estimates that it has invested more than $823 million on research since it became a national voluntary health organization in the late 1940s. That great investment has been made possible by the generosity of the American public and the dedicated efforts of the Association’s 2.7 million volunteers. 104 STAT. 5215 Financial support from the Federal Government and the American Heart Association has helped physicians and scientists make many advances in cardiovascular health care.

However, these funds have also provided for valuable educational programs designed to help individual Americans learn what they can do to avoid heart attack and stroke. For example, we now know the importance of a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, and we understand the need to control high blood pressure. Americans have also accepted warnings about the dangers of smoking, and what was once a socially acceptable habit has now become unacceptable. Controlling one’s weight and exercising regularly have also become a healthy part of the lifestyles of many of our citizens.

Although significant progress has been made in the struggle to overcome cardiovascular disease, the major killer of Americans, we must not become complacent. As we enter a new decade, it is fitting that we strengthen and renew our commitment to winning this battle. In recognition of the need for all Americans to become involved in the ongoing fight against cardiovascular diseases, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 169b), has requested that the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as “American Heart Month.

” NOW. THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of February 1990 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 combating cardiovascular diseases and stroke. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH 6096 National Visiting Nurse Associations Week, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6096 of February 16, 1990 National Visiting Nurse Associations Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The personalized, cost-effective home care provided by Visiting Nurse Associations is a great blessing to thousands of Americans affected by illness, injury, or disability. Visiting Nurse Associations are voluntary, independently operated community organizations that offer a wide range of medical care and support services—including specialized nursing services, physical and occupational therapy, nutritional counseling, and meals.

Through Visiting Nurse Associations, qualified health care professionals and volunteers generously bring not only their knowledge and skills but also welcome companionship to homebound Americans in rural and urban communities. 104 STAT. 5216 Home health services offer comfort and dignity to patients recovering from illness or injury, to persons incapacitated by mental or physical handicaps, to the terminally ill, and to those suffering from chronically disabling diseases. By rendering such services, Visiting Nurse Associations are making an important difference in the lives of individuals and families across the country.

In recognition of the efforts of those dedicated and hardworking men and women who make the work of Visiting Nurse Associations possible, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 103, has designated the week beginning February 18, 1990, as “National Visiting Nurse Associations Week” and has 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 February 18 through February 24, 1990, as National Visiting Nurse Associations Week.

I urge all Americans to join me in observing this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6097 258th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6097 of February 16, 1990 258th Anniversary of the Birth of George Washington By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation A man who “knew no glory but his country’s good,” George Washington was not only indispensable to the founding of our Nation but also set a standard of public service that every President since has labored to uphold.

Indeed, the free Republic planted on this soil more than 2 centuries ago could not have taken root and prospered without his leadership and example. As Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, George Washington made an effective fighting force out of his hastily assembled and frequently ill-equipped troops. His actions during the war reflected consummate skill as a military leader—and unfailing confidence in the ideals enshrined in our Declaration of Independence.

Indeed, it was personal loyalty to General Washington that held together the American troops at Valley Forge through the long, bitter winter of 1778. Having helped the American colonies gain their independence from the British Crown, George Washington later became a central figure in efforts to shape a government for the new Nation. After the Revolution, it became increasingly clear that the Articles of Confederation—which had loosely assembled the 13 States in a “league of friendship”— needed to be revised.

The struggle for independence, the cause that 104 STAT. 5217once united the States, had been won. Without a strong common purpose, the States soon succumbed to differences among themselves. The Congress of the Confederation, then the central government of the United States, was nearly bankrupt. It had no authority to impose taxes and no power to collect them. The States began printing their own currency—money that was often seen as nothing more than paper beyond their borders.

They also began to dispute territorial boundaries and the use of each other’s ports and roadways. Less than 10 years after the Revolutionary War had ended, the former colonies were on the verge of splitting into 13 separate, wholly sovereign—perhaps even hostile— nations. Recognizing the young Nation’s vulnerability, George Washington joined a number of other American leaders—most notably, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison—in calling for a convention of the States to reform the Articles of Confederation.

Washington, frustrated by the Congress’s inability to provide for the Continental Army, voiced his concern when he sharply noted that “influence is no government.” Once relations between several of the States reached a crisis point, the Congress of the Confederation finally agreed to a Federal Convention, and, in May 1787, George Washington was unanimously elected to preside over it. Throughout the long, hot summer in Philadelphia, Washington’s stoic countenance rarely betrayed his resolve to see a constitution framed for our country.

As one historian, Catherine Drinker Bowen, noted, “In his silence lay his strength. His presence kept the Federal Convention together, kept it going, just as his presence had kept a straggling, ill-conditioned army together throughout the terrible years of war.” Finally, on September 17, 1787, after more than 4 months of debate, George Washington gave formal notice that a constitution was ready to be presented to the States for ratification. The former colonies had become a nation.

“Valiant without ambition . . . confident without assumption,” George Washington did not seek to hold power in the new government. In fact, he had eagerly anticipated a peaceful retirement at his beloved Mount Vernon. Nevertheless, the will of the American people would delay his plans for 8 more years. Revered for his leadership during the Revolutionary War, George Washington was elected as our Nation’s first President by a unanimous vote of the Presidential electors. Once again, he dutifully answered his country’s call.

Having helped our country gain its independence, he now agreed to help give it a firm footing. He took office on April 30, 1789. George Washington firmly believed that he and the other Framers of the Constitution had established a just and effective form of government. “The Constitution is the guide which I can never abandon,” the new President once declared. His faith in the Constitution was surpassed only by his confidence in the American people. President Washington believed they were not only entitled to a system of self-government, but also capable of keeping it.

An able statesman, as well as an outstanding soldier, Washington set many important precedents while in office. Under his stewardship, a uniform currency, the executive departments, and a Federal court system were established. Proclaiming American neutrality in the 104 STAT. 5218Franco-British War and averting conflict with Great Britain through Jay’s Treaty in 1794, he also demonstrated the President’s ability to lead in matters of foreign policy. In 1796, as his second term in office came to an end, President Washington urged the American people to cherish the Union.

He reminded his listeners that the principles upon which our Nation was founded are rooted in faith, and he encouraged them to promote public virtue and the general diffusion of knowledge as means of preserving those ideals. “You have,” he declared, “in a common cause fought and triumphed together.” Washington hoped that the American people would always be united by their love for liberty and self-government. Today we know that Washington’s efforts were not made in vain. “First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.

” These were the immortal words given in eulogy to George Washington shortly after his death in 1799. They are a fitting tribute to a great American patriot and President. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, 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 urge all Americans to observe the 258th anniversary of the birth of George Washington with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities designed to honor the memory of this great American.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6098 Lithuanian Independence Day, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6098 of February 16, 1990 Lithuanian Independence Day, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The birth of a nation is a momentous event that inscribes a people’s name forever in the annals of history, motivating and inspiring those who live under its banner and ideals.

Seventy-two years ago, on February 16, 1918, the people of Lithuania realized their long-denied dream of independence. The free Republic of Lithuania prospered until the tragic events of 1940—when Soviet troops invaded and occupied the country as a result of the infamous Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed just 1 year before. Lithuania’s struggle for liberty, and that of its neighbors in Estonia and Latvia, served as an inspiration to many who saw the collapse of old empires as a harbinger of peace and freedom for Europe.

Later, when these heartfelt aspirations were crushed by totalitarian aggression, freedom-loving men and women around the world were rightfully outraged. 104 STAT. 5219 The ongoing Baltic dilemma remains an unresolved legacy of the Stalin era. However, the democratic reawakening in Lithuania offers hope that popular aspirations for political, economic, and social justice will be realized. The brave men and women of Lithuania began to pursue just and noble goals on the 16th of February, 1918.

We reaffirm our support and admiration for the Lithuanian people as we recall the significance of that date today—the 72nd anniversary of Lithuanian independence. In recognition of the aspirations of freedom-loving people in all nations, the Congress, by House Joint Resolution 149, has designated February 16, 1990, as “Lithuanian Independence Day” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 16, 1990, as Lithuanian Independence Day.

I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities in reaffirmation of their devotion to the principles of democracy and freedom throughout the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixteenth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH **Editorial note**: For the statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on Lithuanian independence, dated Mar. 11, 1990. see the *Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents* (vol. 26. pp. 401. 444, 485). 6099 Save Your Vision Week, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6099 of February 21, 1990 Save Your Vision Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The loss of the precious gift of sight—at any age—is always tragic, but even more so when it could have been prevented.

Certain eye disorders in young children can interfere with the development of normal vision. Some of these problems are difficult to detect and may go unnoticed until they have caused significant, perhaps even permanent, damage. Therefore, it is essential that parents have their children’s vision checked at or before age 3. The early discovery and prompt treatment of an eye problem can prevent visual loss that might otherwise be irreparable by the time a child reaches school age.

In adulthood, the estimated 11 million Americans who have diabetes are vulnerable to a potentially blinding eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes often develop this condition, in which weakened blood vessels in the eye can cause severe vision loss 104 STAT. 5220or blindness. Despite the availability of sight-saving treatments, diabetic retinopathy robs more middle-aged Americans of sight than any other eye disease. The surest way someone with diabetes can prevent loss of vision from diabetic retinopathy is by having an annual eye examination.

With early diagnosis, diabetic retinopathy can be treated. Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of glaucoma in the United States, often appears in late middleage. Glaucoma can usually be controlled with medication. Tragically, however, it is still a leading cause of blindness among older individuals and Black Americans. Because glaucoma causes few if any symptoms in its early stages, mil-lions of otherwise healthy people are unaware that they have the disease. That is why Black men and women, individuals with diabetes, and members of a family with a history of glaucoma should be especially diligent about seeking regular, comprehensive eye examinations.

Although eye diseases take their greatest toll on the vision of older men and women, the most common form, cataract, can be treated effectively. Today, removing a cataract and implanting a plastic lens is a highly successful and comparatively simple operation. Similarly, laser surgery can stop the severe loss of vision that results from an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration, an insidious disease that gradually destroys central vision. Proper timing of laser treatment, however, is very important if irretrievable loss of vision from this disease is to be prevented.

Because periodic eye examinations can lead to the detection and treatment of disorders and diseases that might otherwise pose a serious threat to one’s vision, all Americans should make regular visits to their ophthalmologist or optometrist. Seeking routine eye exams by a licensed professional is one of the best ways we can protect ourselves from needless vision loss. However, we can also protect our eyesight by taking a few simple precautions in the course of our daily activities.

For example, goggles or some other form of protective eyewear should always be worn when handling potentially dangerous chemicals or machinery. Such safety gear should also be worn when participating in certain sports. Those Americans who wear contact lenses should always be certain to wear, clean, and handle them correctly, in accordance with the directions of their eye care professional. By following such simple steps, and by seeking periodic eye exams, each of us can safeguard one of our greatest blessings: the gift of sight.

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 authorized and requested the President to proclaim the first week of 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 4 through March 10, 1990, 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 communications media, and all public and private organizations committed to the goal of sight conservation to join in activities that will make Americans more aware of the steps they can take to protect their vision. 104 STAT. 5221 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH 6100 International Year of Bible Reading, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6100 of February 22, 1990 International Year of Bible Reading, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Among the great books produced throughout the history of mankind, the Bible has been prized above all others by generations of men and women around the world—by people of every age, every race, and every walk of life.

The Bible has had a critical impact upon the development of Western civilization. Western literature, art, and music are filled with images and ideas that can be traced to its pages. More important, our moral tradition has been shaped by the laws and teachings it contains. It was a biblical view of man—one affirming the dignity and worth of the human person, made in the image of our Creator—that inspired the principles upon which the United States is founded. President Jackson called the Bible “the rock on which our Republic rests” because he knew that it shaped the Founding Fathers’ concept of individual liberty and their vision of a free and just society.

The Bible has not only influenced the development of our Nation’s values and institutions but also enriched the daily lives of millions of men and women who have looked to it for comfort, hope, and guidance. On the American frontier, the Bible was often the only book a family owned. For those pioneers living far from any church or school, it served both as a source of religious instruction and as the primary text from which children learned to read. The historic speeches of Abraham Lincoln and Dr.

Martin Luther King, Jr., provide compelling evidence of the role Scripture played in shaping the struggle against slavery and discrimination. Today the Bible continues to give courage and direction to those who seek truth and righteousness. In recognizing its enduring value, we recall the words of the prophet Isaiah, who declared, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever.” Containing revelations of God’s intervention in human history, the Bible offers moving testimony to His love for mankind.

Treasuring the Bible as a source of knowledge and inspiration, President Abraham Lincoln called this Great Book “the best gift God has given to man.” President Lincoln believed that the Bible not only reveals the infinite goodness of our Creator, but also reminds us of our worth as individuals and our responsibilities toward one another. President Woodrow Wilson likewise recognized the importance of the Bible to its readers. “The Bible is the word of life.” he once said. Describing its contents, he added: 104 STAT. 5222 You will find it full of real men and women not only but also of the things you have wondered about and been troubled about all your life, as men have been always; and the more you will read it the more it will become plain to you what things are worthwhile and what are not. what things make men happy—loyalty, right dealing, speaking the truth . . . and the things that are guaranteed to make men unhappy—selfishness, cowardice, greed, and everything that is low and mean.

When you have read the Bible you will know that it is the Word of God. because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty. President Wilson believed that the Bible helps its readers find answers to the mysteries and sorrows that often trouble the souls of men. Cherished for centimes by men and women around the world, the Bible’s value is timeless. Its significance transcends the boundaries between nations and languages because it carries a universal message to every human heart.

This year numerous individuals and associations around the world will join in a campaign to encourage voluntary study of the Bible. Their efforts are worthy of recognition and support. In acknowledgment of the inestimable value and timeless appeal of the Bible, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 164, has designated the year 1990 as the “International Year of Bible Reading” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this year.

NOW. THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the year 1990 as the International Year of Bible Reading. I invite all Americans to discover the great inspiration and knowledge that can be obtained through thoughtful reading of the Bible. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- second day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH 6101 American Red Cross Month, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6101 of February 23, 1990 American Red Cross Month, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since its founding more than a century ago, the American Red Cross has inspired millions of Americans to participate in its voluntary public service programs. Today, dedicated Red Cross volunteers—some one million strong—help bring vital aid and services to victims of natural disasters and other emergencies, to people in need of blood, and to members of the United States Armed Forces.

These compassionate and hardworking volunteers are also helping to bring useful health and safety information to the public. Last year, Red Cross workers across the Nation responded to more than 50,000 emergencies, from serious train accidents and house fires to devastating floods and earthquakes. When Hurricane Hugo and the Loma Prieta earthquake in California struck within less than 30 days of each other, the Red Cross rushed aid to more than 143,000 families on 104 STAT. 5223both U.S. coasts and in the Caribbean.

Never in the history of the American Red Cross had so many people depended on the food, clothing, medical assistance, and shelter provided by its workers. Never in its history had the Red Cross responded more ably to the call for help from disaster victims. The Red Cross also teaches people how to prevent and prepare for more common emergencies through courses in first aid, CPR, and water safety, as well as other educational programs. Each day, thousands of Red Cross instructors impart lifesaving knowledge and skills to young people and adults in communities across the country.

Thanks to their efforts, some seven million Americans are certified yearly to provide emergency aid in life-threatening situations. Today, the American Red Cross is a leader in efforts to stop the spread of AIDS. Across the country, knowledgeable Red Cross volunteers are teaching the public about this deadly disease. Through its careful testing of donated blood, the Red Cross is also helping to make our Nation’s blood supply as safe as possible. Each year, the Red Cross collects and tests more than six million units of blood, ensuring that safe and adequate supplies will be available for the ill and the injured.

In addition to its blood donor programs, the American Red Cross renders vital organ and tissue transplantation services. A less commonly known but equally important activity of the Red Cross is its cooperation with the United States Armed Forces. The Red Cross assists our active-duty military men and women and their families with information, referral services, and emergency communications. Thousands of Red Cross staff members and volunteers serve on U.S. military installations around the world, providing an important link to home for our service men and women.

However, the work done abroad by the American Red Cross extends far beyond U.S. military bases. American Red Cross workers have brought desperately needed aid to victims of the December 1988 earthquake in Armenia. They have also brought relief to the people of Eastern Europe, to the hungry in Africa, and to victims of disaster and armed conflict in other parts of the world. Dedicated to serving individuals in need without regard to race, creed, cause, or nationality, the American Red Cross has earned the respect and gratitude of millions of people around the Nation and the world.

This month, we salute its outstanding staff and volunteers. 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 1990 as American Red Cross Month. I urge all Americans to continue their generous support of the work of the American Red Cross and its nearly 2,800 chapters. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 23 day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of 104 STAT. 5224the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH **Editorial note**: For the President’s remarks of Feb. 23, 1990. on signing Proclamation 6101, see the *Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents* (vol. 28. p. 294). 6102 National Quarter Horse Week, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6102 of February 27, 1990 National Quarter Horse Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation American quarter horses are a highly prized breed.

More individuals have benefitted from the use of American quarter horses than from any other breed of horse in the world. This horse is uniquely ours, having been developed in colonial America and bred for speed to win in popular quarter-mile races. The quarter horse still gains honors for racing throughout the country. Quarter horses have also earned fame as top mounts for ranch work because of their quickness, responsiveness, durability, agility, and natural ability with cattle.

No other horse is a greater part of Western folklore, and none has contributed more to our Nation’s development and cultural heritage. Calm of disposition yet versatile, the quarter horse can be found almost anywhere in the country—on riding trails and in races, shows, rodeos, and parades. Young people who own quarter horses benefit substantially from the responsibility and enjoyment they entail. Many of these horses are enrolled in the world’s largest equine registry, maintained by the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA).

Founded on March 15, 1940, by a group of southwestern ranchers, the AQHA has grown to more than 200,000 members. The registry that began with less than 600 horses now numbers more than 2.8 million. And an industry that began with just a few horsemen has grown to include more than a million owners in all walks of life and in 63 different countries. In recognition of the worth of “America’s horse,” the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 186, has designated the week of March 1 through March 7, 1990, as “National Quarter Horse Week” and has 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 of March 1 through March 7, 1990, as National Quarter Horse Week, and I invite the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and 104 STAT. 5225ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth.

GEORGE BUSH 6103 Modifying the Implementation of the Generalized System of Preferences and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6103 of February 28, 1990 Modifying the Implementation of the Generalized System of Preferences and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation 1. In Proclamation 5779 of March 23, 1988 (53 FR 9850), the President determined that, under section 802(b) of the Trade Act of 1974 (the Act) (19 U.S.C. 2492(b)), as amended by the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 (Public Law 99–570, 100 Stat. 3207), Panama had not during the previous year cooperated fully with the United States, and had not taken adequate steps on its own, in preventing narcotic and psychotropic drugs and other controlled substances produced or processed, in whole or in part, in Panama or transported through Panama, from being sold illegally within the jurisdiction of Panama to United States Government personnel or their dependents or from being transported, directly or indirectly, into the United States, and in preventing and punishing the laundering in that country of drug-related profits or drug-related monies.

Pursuant to section 802(a) of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2492(a)), the President decided to deny until further notice the preferential tariff treatment under the Generalized System of Preferences

(GSP)and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) previously afforded to articles that were eligible for such treatment and that were imported from Panama. 2. I have determined, pursuant to section 802(b)(1) of the Act, that the Government of Panama is taking adequate steps to prevent such drugs and other controlled substances from being sold illegally within its own jurisdiction to United States Government personnel or their dependents or from being transported, directly or indirectly, into the United States, and to prevent and punish the laundering in that country of drug-related profits or drug-related monies. Pursuant to section 802(b)(1)(A) of the Act. I have certified this determination to the Congress after considering the factors enumerated in section 802(b)(2) of the Act. 3. Under section 103 of the Urgent Assistance for Democracy in Panama Act of 1990 (Public Law 101–243), the conditions specified in section 802(b)(4)(B) of the Act are deemed to be satisfied with respect to the denial to articles imported from Panama of preferential treatment under the GSP and the CBERA pursuant to Proclamation 5779 of March 23, 1988. 4. Accordingly, under the terms of sections 802(b)(1)(A) and 802(b)(4)(B) of the Act, I have decided to restore the preferential tariff treatment under the GSP and the CBERA to articles that are currently eligible for such treatment and that are imported from Panama. 104 STAT. 5226 5. Section 604 of the Act (19 U.S.C. 2483) confers authority upon the President to embody in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States

(HTS)the relevant provisions of that Act, of other acts affecting import treatment, and of actions taken thereunder. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, acting under the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the statutes of the United States of America, including but not limited to sections 604 and 802 of the Act, and section 103 of the Urgent Assistance for Democracy in Panama Act of 1990, do proclaim that:

(1)General note 3(c)(ii)(A) to the HTS is modified by inserting “Panama” in alphabetical sequence in the enumeration of independent countries eligible for benefits under the GSP.

(2)General note 3(c)(v)(A) to the HTS is modified by inserting “Panama” in alphabetical sequence in the enumeration of designated beneficiary countries whose products are eligible for preferential treatment under the CBERA.

(3)This proclamation shall be effective with respect to articles both:

(a)imported on or after January 1, 1976, and

(b)entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after the 15th day following the date of publication of this proclamation in the Federal Register. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6104 National Day of Prayer, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6104 of March 6, 1990 National Day of Prayer, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of,” wrote Lord Tennyson more than a century ago. Today, we are deeply mindful of the truth of his words. Our Nation’s history and the lives of millions of men and women around the world provide compelling evidence of the power of faith and the efficacy of prayer. The Bible tells us what we have often seen for ourselves: that God answers the prayers of those who place their trust in Him. In the Old Testament story of Hannah and Samuel and the New Testament parable of the Prodigal Son, we find a universal experience of parenthood: long hours spent in waiting for a child and in prayer for his well-being. What mother or father has not, in unspoken thought, asked the Almighty to protect his or her little ones and thanked Him for their safekeeping? Our ancestors believed that, in the lives of nations as well as individuals, the love of God is a great parental love like this. They saw history as the place where our Creator looks for His children, longing for them to come to Him and to do His will. As they fashioned a system of gov-104 STAT. 5227eminent that would carry the United States into an uncharted future, as they fled oppressed and war-torn nations to build new lives in this land of opportunity, as they shielded the spark of hope from the cold winds of tyranny and world war, time and again they came, thankful and contrite, to the inextinguishable light of the Father’s house. So great was the faith of our Founding Fathers, and so firm was their belief in the need for God’s blessing upon their bold experiment in self-government, that they frequently turned to Him in prayer both as individuals and as a community. Indeed, the first act of the Continental Congress, the same body that declared America’s independence, was a prayer. Thomas Jefferson and other Founders believed that the God Who gives us life gives us liberty as well, and if the American people are to keep a truly free and democratic government, they must acknowledge their dependence on His mercy and guidance. Thus, when they pledged to each other their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in support of the Declaration of Independence, they did so “with a firm Reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence.” When the Framers of our Constitution heeded Ben Franklin’s call for daily prayer at the Federal Convention in 1787, it is as if they were profoundly aware of the gentle admonition found in the 127th Psalm: “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Today, we do well to place in God’s hands our hopes and concerns for our families and our communities, just as our Nation’s Founders entrusted their labors to Him. The childhood of our liberty was guarded by the love of God, and the “new birth of freedom” of which President Lincoln spoke was possible only because that love was faithful to a people bitterly divided by civil war. Today, our liberty is older and our Republic has entered its third century, but we are still, as a people, in the infancy of our journey. So much greater is our need now to turn to God in prayer once again, seeking His blessing for the way that lies ahead. On this National Day of Prayer, observed more than 200 years after the Continental Congress asked for God’s blessing upon our young country, our prayers could have no better object than the safety and well-being of our children. It is for them that we labor and sacrifice, and it is for them that we struggle to uphold the noble ideals affirmed at our Nation’s birth. Today, amidst our many blessings, we see the destruction of too many lives in their earliest flower—too many young minds lost to drugs, delinquency, and despair. The suffering or loss of even one of these children is more than any parent can bear, and it is more than our Nation can afford to tolerate. I therefore ask my fellow Americans to join with me in prayer for our children. Let us strive to help each of them sink their roots into the rich soil of God’s love for the beings He has made in His own image. Let us show them through prayer that we, too, like our Nation’s Founders, seek our shelter—our rock and our salvation—in the arms of God. Finally, let us dedicate this Nation once more to the protection of Divine Providence, remembering the words of the Psalmist: “How excellent is thy loving kindness O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.” 104 STAT. 5228 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 proclaimed 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, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 3, 1990, as a National Day of Prayer. I invite the people of the United States to gather together on that day in homes and places of worship to pray, each after his or her own manner, for the renewal of our Nation’s moral heritage and for God’s blessing upon each of us, especially our children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6105 Twenty-First Decennial Census, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6105 of March 6, 1990 Twenty-First Decennial Census, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation In 1790, barely a year after our Nation’s government was established, the first Census of Population was taken by the United States Marshals under the direction of then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. A total of 3.9 million residents were counted. This year, another census will be taken—the 21st in the history of the United States. Each decennial census has helped to chart the growth and change experienced by our vast country during the past 200 years. The primary purpose for the census remains the same today as it was in 1790: to serve as the source of State population totals so that the number of seats in the House of Representatives can be properly apportioned among the States. Mandated by the Constitution, the use of census figures in guaranteeing representative government has been expanded over the years by the courts. It now includes the reshaping of voting district boundaries for State legislatures and local governments, as well. Since our Nation’s founding, the census has been a way of taking a “statistical snapshot” of our people and determining their number and location. Over the years, census information has become essential in the distribution of billions of dollars annually under Federal and State programs for such worthwhile purposes as education, health care, community development, transportation, and crime prevention. Government policymakers routinely use census data to make decisions on where to 104 STAT. 5229locate or expand public facilities and services, while business planners employ census numbers to devise strategies for the Nation’s economic development. Data from the 1990 census will serve as the basis for many of the Nation’s official statistics during the coming decade. Leaders in government and the private sector will use the information it provides in making critical decisions as we prepare to enter the 21st century. Abraham Lincoln once observed: “If we could just know where we are and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do and how to do it.” The census helps to provide us with such insight. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH. 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 declare and make known that under the law it is the responsibility and obligation of every person who usually resides in the United States to take part in the 1990 Census of Population and Housing by truthfully answering all questions on the census forms applying to him or her and to each member of the household to which he or she belongs, and to the residence being occupied. Every resident of the United States is hereby assured that the information provided in the census will be used solely for the purposes allowed by law. Only combined statistical summaries of answers to census questions are published. By law, individual and household answers cannot be released in any way that will identify or harm any person or household. Individual information collected will not be used for purposes of taxation, investigation, or regulation, or in connection with military or jury service, the compulsion of school attendance, the regulation of immigration, or the enforcement of any other Federal, State, or local law or ordinance. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6106 National Consumers Week, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6106 of March 8, 1990 National Consumers Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Two out of every three dollars spent in America’s marketplace are spent by individual consumers. These dollars help create jobs and opportunity for men and women across the country. They also contribute to a strong national economy. The ingenuity of American business in meeting the demands of consumers has helped keep our markets growing and made our lives more comfortable. In our Nation’s free enterprise system, we rely on the ability of consumers and private industry to balance each other’s needs 104 STAT. 5230and interests in the marketplace, with government intervening only to ensure fairness and the safety of goods and services. Early in this century, when Henry Ford first introduced his “horseless carriage,” the automobile, it was wryly noted that buyers could choose between two colors: black and black. Today consumers are able to select their purchases from a wonderful variety of goods and services. And thanks to expanding world trade and the development of new technologies, the number of options available to consumers promises to keep growing. The theme for this week, “1990: New Consumer Horizons,” reflects the broad scope and ever-changing appearance of the marketplace. The marketplace we know extends far beyond the United States. Relationships with trading partners are being strengthened and restructured. New agreements are bringing consumers of this and other nations ever closer together. Our Nation’s productivity and technological leadership, complemented by that of other countries, are helping to create a market as diverse as the world is large. In dramatic new ways, men and women around the world are learning what we Americans have known for more than 200 years: that the people, not government, are the sovereign. As a new breeze sweeps the world, we see that the rights and freedom individuals demand are economic as well as political. The ballot box may be the first place we express our yearning for freedom and opportunity, but it is not the only place. This year, as we prepare to welcome a new decade of opportunity for consumers, we also recognize the unique challenges it will pose. To be responsible and discerning consumers, Americans will need certain basic skills and a knowledge of the products and services offered to them. Individuals and families should know how to spend wisely, and they should understand the importance of balancing consumer spending and saving and investing for the future. The ability to read labels, to follow written instructions, and to balance a checkbook is essential not only in the marketplace but also in the workplace. Ensuring that all Americans—especially those young people currently studying in our Nation’s schools—gain such knowledge and skills is a responsibility and challenge shared by parents, educators, business leaders, and public officials. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, 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 the week beginning April 22, 1990, as National Consumers Week. I urge businesses, educators, community organizations, the media, government, and consumer leaders to conduct activities to emphasize the important role consumers play in keeping our markets open, competitive, and fair. Furthermore, I call upon them to highlight the importance of education in helping citizens to become responsible consumers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6107 Harriet Tubman Day, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

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