Proclamation 6199.
5,747 words·~26 min read·
/statutes-at-large/vol-104/proclamation-6199·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
104 STAT. 5415 Proclamation 6199 of October 10, 1990 Dwight D. Eisenhower Day, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation October 14, 1990, marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dwight David Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, the commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II, and one of this country’s most distinguished statesmen and public servants. A small-town boy who proudly came from “the heart of America.” Dwight Eisenhower earned a special place of honor in our history through his courageous and determined efforts to defend the universal cause of freedom.
He also set a standard of leadership that other military professionals and elected officials have since strived to emulate. Dwight Eisenhower’s career began in our Nation’s military. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1915, and later ranked first in his class at the Command and General Staff School. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. As a staff officer, he served the Generals Fox Conner, John Pershing, Douglas MacArthur, and George Marshall. During World War II, after serving as Chief of the War Plans Division of the War Department, Eisenhower was entrusted with the command of the Allied Forces landing in North Africa in 1942.
At the end of 1943, he was named Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe. His leadership and example in that post animated the most successful wartime coalition in history and paved the way for an unprecedented military feat: the successful invasion of Normandy by land, sea, and air on June 6, 1944. In June 1945, one month after accepting the unconditional German surrender. Dwight Eisenhower returned home to a hero’s welcome. For 3 years after his return to the United States, General Eisenhower served as Army Chief of Staff.
He then devoted his talent and energy to education, becoming President of Columbia University in June 1948. By December 1950, however, duty called again, and Eisenhower took leave from his academic post to become Supreme Allied Commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Organizing the defense forces of NATO member nations, he helped to lay a strong foundation for the Alliance. In 1952, upon accepting the Republican nomination for the Presidency and after more than 3 decades of distinguished service, Ike resigned from the military.
During his two terms as President, Dwight Eisenhower ably handled the tensions and uncertainties of the postwar era and administered policies leading to unprecedented growth and prosperity here at home. Crises in Suez, Berlin, and Lebanon tested his remarkable leadership abilities: yet, in each case, Eisenhower responded with characteristic courage and resolve. On the domestic front, Ike not only met challenges such as those of 1957 in Little Rock, Arkansas, but also helped to launch the Nation’s civil space program and the Interstate Highway System.
He also helped to balance the Nation’s budget—three times. 104 STAT. 5416 Even in retirement Ike continued to serve the Nation, generously accommodating those successors who sought his counsel and sharing with an attentive Nation his views on matters of foreign policy. He died on March 28, 1969, but his legacy continues to enrich and inspire us. How pleased Dwight Eisenhower would be to know that freedom’s holy light, borne so bravely by American and Allied troops in battle, now bums brightly in countries that once suffered under the shadow of tyranny.
Indeed, the positive developments we have witnessed around the world during the past year would not have been possible without his leadership at a critical moment in history. Neither would they have been possible without the vigilance, strength, and resolve of free nations, rooted in ideals Ike cherished. In 1990, we do well to honor the memory of Dwight Eisenhower by rededicating ourselves to the principles he fought so hard to uphold. This great man himself once observed: We know—and all the world constantly reminds us—that the future well-being of humanity depends directly upon America’s leadership.
I say emphatically that this leadership depends no less directly upon the faith, the courage, the love of freedom, and the capacity for sacrifice of every American citizen, every home, every American community. Today we can be greatful for the extraordinary example he set. The Congress, by Public Law 101–258, has designated October 14, 1990, the 100th anniversary of his birth, as “Dwight D. Eisenhower 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 October 14, 1990, as Dwight D. Eisenhower Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe that day with appropriate ceremonies and activities in remembrance of his devotion to freedom and democracy and his many contributions to our Nation and the world. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth.
GEORGE BUSH 6200 October 11, 1990 White Cane Safety Day, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6200 of October 11, 1990 White Cane Safety Day, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The white cane is a simple yet effective tool that enables many of America’s citizens with visual impairments to enjoy greater independence and freedom of movement. This familiar device helps visually impaired individuals to navigate through their environment safely, avoiding physical barriers and hazards. 104 STAT. 5417 For millions of Americans, both those with visual disabilities and those without, the white cane is also a symbol of dignity and determination.
It is a tangible reminder that those Americans who have impaired eye-sight possess not only the desire but also the ability to lead full, independent, and productive lives. Each year, during the observance of White Cane Safety Day, we renew our commitment to eliminating physical and attitudinal barriers that continue to hinder the full participation of blind persons in our society. On this White Cane Safety Day we also celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which I signed into law on July 26, 1990.
A declaration of equality for persons with disabilities, this historic legislation guarantees these citizens protection against discrimination as well as greater opportunities to participate in the mainstream of American life. In recognition of the white cane and all that it symbolizes, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved October 6, 1964, has authorized the President to designate October 15 of each year as “White Cane Safety Day.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 1990, as White Cane Safety Day.
I urge all Americans to show respect for those who carry the white cane and to honor, through appropriate ceremonies and activities, their many achievements. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6201 October 11, 1990 Fire Prevention Week, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6201 of October 11, 1990 Fire Prevention Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Each year, thousands of Americans are killed by fire.
Tens of thousands more suffer from fire-related injuries. Tragically, the overwhelming majority of these fire deaths and injuries occur in places where people tend to feel most secure: their homes. Although no one is immune to the threat of fire, our most vulnerable citizens—older Americans and children—are at greatest risk. Protecting the lives of these individuals and reducing the total number of deaths and injuries from fires in the United States require the sustained involvement and concern of all Americans and continued cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Throughout the year, numerous agencies and associations sponsor programs aimed at preventing fires that may cause death and injury. These local and national programs have conveyed the concerns of our Nation’s fire service organizations to the public. They have helped people to recognize the destructive power of fire, and they have dem-104 STAT. 5418onstrated what we can do, both individually and collectively, to protect ourselves from becoming victims of fire. All of these programs carry a vital message: each of us has the ability—and, indeed, a responsibility—to protect our families, our property, and our environment.
The National Fire Protection Association, which initiated Fire Prevention Week, has announced the theme of this year’s observance: “Make Your Place Firesafe: Hunt for Home Hazards.” This theme underscores the importance of recognizing dangers and taking measures to eliminate them. For example, every homeowner should install and maintain household smoke detectors; keep exits clear; avoid careless smoking; and store matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Homeowners should ensure that heating equipment is in good working order, and they should keep heating appliances at least 3 feet away from anything that can bum.
Combustible or flammable liquids should be stored in proper containers, away from heat or flame, and electrical cords should be checked for cracks and frays. These and other simple steps can save lives. Sharing the concerns of the National Fire Protection Association, the United States Fire Administration is coordinating public education campaigns designed to promote private-public partnerships for fire prevention. Our Nation owes a debt of gratitude to these organizations and to all those individuals who are committed to preventing deaths and injuries from fire, including the members of the National Fire Academy; the International Association of Fire Chiefs: the International Association of Fire Fighters; the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters; the Fire Service Caucus Institute; the National Volunteer Fire Council; the International Society of Fire Service Instructors; the Fire Marshals Association of North America; the State Fire Marshals Association; and all other allied organizations.
Each year, the National Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Service, held at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, honors those men and women who have answered their last alarm as volunteer or career fire fighters. On October 14, 1990, relatives and friends of fire fighters killed in the line of duty and representatives from the Nation’s fire service organizations will gather to remember and pray for these heroic individuals. This week, as we make a special effort to identify and eliminate potential fire hazards in our homes and places of business, let us gratefully remember those fire fighters who have given their lives in the line of duty.
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 October 7, 1990, as Fire Prevention Week. I call upon the people of the United States to plan and participate in fire prevention activities not only this week, but throughout the year. I also ask all Americans to join me in honoring the memory of those fire fighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the lives and property of their neighbors.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this Eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, 104 STAT. 5419and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH **Editorial note**: For the President’s remarks of Oct. 11, 1990, on signing Proclamation 6201, see the *Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents* (vol. 26, p. 1579). 6202 October 11, 1990 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6202 of October 11, 1990 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During 1990 alone, an estimated 150,000 American women will get breast cancer; some 44,000 of them are expected to die from it.
Such dire projections, however, need not become a reality in the future. Today we know that deaths from breast cancer can be significantly reduced if the cancer is found in its early, more treatable stages of development. The United States Department of Health and Human Services reports that as much as a 30 percent drop in the breast cancer death rate is possible if women follow early detection guidelines. Thirteen major public and private health organizations, including the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, have agreed upon the following screening guidelines for breast cancer:
A woman between the ages of 40 and 49 should have a mammogram every 1 to 2 years, as well as an annual breast examination by her physician; after age 50, both the mammogram and the breast exam should be done annually. The National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society also recommend monthly breast self-exams. Research has led to important advances in treatment for victims of breast cancer. Women whose breast cancer is detected in its early stages can be treated with much less extensive surgery than in the past.
At early stages, lumpectomy plus radiation, rather than mastectomy or full removal of the breast, is an option, but lumpectomy is viable only for those women whose cancer has been detected early. Health care professionals throughout the United States are working hard to encourage women to follow the breast cancer screening guidelines developed by the National Cancer Institute and other organizations. Many private voluntary associations and concerned individuals are also spreading the word about the importance of early detection and urging women who are age 40 and older to obtain regular screenings.
Some businesses are offering screening to their employees. This month we reaffirm our determination to carry on such efforts and encourage other health care providers, employers, charitable organizations, and community groups to follow suit. Today we have the knowledge and technology necessary to find and to treat breast cancer in its earliest stages. Let us put these resources to work to save the lives of American women. 104 STAT. 5420 To enhance public awareness of the importance of regular screenings for breast cancer, the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 301, has designated the month of October 1990 as “National Breast Cancer Awareness Month” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1990 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I invite the Governors of the 50 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, as well as the appropriate officials of all other areas under the flag of the United States, to issue similar proclamations. I also ask all Americans—in particular, health care providers, insurance companies, employers, and members of charitable associations and community groups—to join in this special effort to promote awareness of breast cancer.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6203 October 12, 1990 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6203 of October 12, 1990 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The United States’ ability to remain strong and prosperous in the increasingly technological, increasingly competitive global marketplace will be determined, in large part, by our success in harnessing the energy, creativity, and talent of all our citizens.
A great many of those among the estimated 43 million Americans who have disabilities are both eager and able to help our country meet the challenges of our rapidly changing world. Recognizing this rich source of human potential and providing these individuals with greater opportunities to bring their knowledge, ideas, and commitment to the workplace is, therefore, not only a moral imperative, but also a crucial investment in our Nation’s future. Over the years, the United States has made significant progress in facilitating the movement of persons with disabilities into the mainstream of American life.
We have opened doors to education and business, and we have developed effective rehabilitation and training programs that are helping millions of people with disabilities to become skilled, productive workers. Advances in technology and the removal of architectural barriers and other obstacles in housing, transportation, and the workplace have also enabled Americans with disabilities to enjoy greater freedom, independence, and mobility. While Americans with disabilities have made many advances in education, public accommodations, and employment, we know that more doors remain to be opened.
Thus, it was with great pleasure that I signed into law on July 26 historic new civil rights legislation—the 104 STAT. 5421Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Expanding upon the goals of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, this legislation is the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for persons with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers covered by the act from discriminating against qualified applicants or employees on the basis of a disability; it guarantees persons with disabilities access to public accommodations, such as offices, hotels, and shopping centers; and it calls for improved access to transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications as well.
The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 reaffirms our national commitment to providing persons with disabilities equal opportunities to participate in the social and economic life of our country. During this year’s observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we not only celebrate the enactment of this legislation, but also recognize the many contributions that persons with disabilities have made, and continue to make, in the Nation’s workplace. The Congress, by Joint Resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 155), has called for the designation of the month of October of each year as “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
” This special month is a time for all Americans to join together in recognizing the unlimited potential of persons with disabilities and in renewing our determination to provide equal employment opportunities for them. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the month of October 1990 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon the people of the United States to continue working to guarantee for Americans with disabilities equal employment opportunities and the full rights and privileges of citizenship.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6204 October 12, 1990 National Forest Products Week, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6204 of October 12, 1990 National Forest Products Week, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Ever since the first American colonists described for their contemporaries in Europe the splendor of the New World, this country’s forests have been recognized around the globe for their majestic beauty.
However, our forests have also been an invaluable resource, one that has played a singularly important role in the building of our Nation. Centuries ago, our forests provided Native Americans and European settlers with a variety of foods and raw materials for shelter, tools, and fuel. As the Nation expanded westward, they provided the timbers neces-104 STAT. 5422sary to build ships and railroads for transportation and commerce, as well as telegraph and telephone lines. Today we continue to rely on our Nation’s forests and forest products in a multitude of ways.
Forests serve as the habitat for much of our Nation’s wildlife and provide a peaceful, scenic setting for family outings and other recreational activities. They also continue to provide raw materials for fuel, construction, and a variety of wood and paper products. Although we have the choice of many different building products, we continue to value wood for our homes and furnishings. Wood is strong and durable, yet also flexible and versatile. New technology and techniques for its treatment, preservation, and design continue to increase its usefulness.
The Department of Agriculture reports that forest products contribute 4 percent to the Gross National Product and account for almost 2 million jobs in wood manufacturing and related industries and an estimated $25 billion in annual wages to working men and women. According to the Department, the forest industry ranks among the top 10 employers in 48 of the 50 States. Forest products thus make a significant contribution to our Nation’s economic strength and progress, as well as to our individual physical comfort and well-being.
Unfortunately, in the past, our ancestors did not always recognize the need for careful stewardship of our forest resources. Taking for granted this country’s vast, dense forests and striving to meet the great and urgent demands of a growing Nation led to rapid and sometimes wasteful use of forest resources. Forest cut-out and move-out practices were, for too long, assumed to be an inevitable part of development, while conservation strategies were viewed as a limitation on progress.
Fortunately, however, a more enlightened view of forest management eventually emerged. Farsighted leaders such as President Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, the Nation’s first trained forester, successfully contended that systematic and scientific management of our forests could guarantee their productivity for years to come. While it is clear that forests can be used to meet consumer needs, it is also clear that they must be replenished in a timely manner—especially when natural regeneration does not appear to be sufficient.
Over the years careful studies and experience have helped us to improve management of this precious, yet renewable, resource. Indeed, today’s forest managers view the forest as a whole ecosystem that, when handled wisely, can ensure a sustained yield of forest products. Policies and practices developed according to this view are compatible with other environmental interests such as watershed and wildlife protection. Targeting research to develop more environmentally sensitive methods of harvesting forest products and increasing cooperation among government and private forest managers are keys to successful stewardship of this vital natural resource.
Each of us has a stake in the stewardship of our Nation’s forests. Ensuring that our children and our children’s children are able to enjoy abundant natural resources and a healthy environment calls for personal action. Accordingly, local governments are rapidly organizing recycling programs in which every citizen can participate. Each American can also make a difference by planting trees. Through Federal efforts 104 STAT. 5423such as the America the Beautiful initiative, every State, community, and individual in the Nation will have the opportunity to help plant and maintain nearly 1 billion trees per year across the country.
These trees, planted in both urban and rural areas, will stand in addition to the more than 2 billion trees planted regularly through previously established government programs and existing private efforts. In recognition of the value of our forests, the Congress, by Public Law 86–753 (36 U.S.C. 163), designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as “National Forest Products 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 October 21, 1990, as National Forest Products Week and call upon all Americans to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6205 October 12, 1990 Country Music Month, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6205 of October 12, 1990 Country Music Month, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Whether they tap their feet to the spirited sound of bluegrass or quietly hum along with the soulful melodies of traditional ballads, millions of Americans—and, indeed, fans around the world—enjoy listening to country music each day.
However, country music is more than a favorite source of entertainment; it is also a rich and colorful expression of the hopes, experiences, and values of the American people. Encompassing a wide range of musical genres, from folk songs and religious hymns to rhythm and blues, country music reflects our Nation’s cultural diversity as well as the aspirations and ideals that unite us. It springs from the heart of America and speaks eloquently of our history, our faith in God, our devotion to family, and our appreciation for the value of freedom and hard work.
With its simple melodies and time-less, universal themes, country music appeals to listeners of all ages and from all walks of life. The popularity of country music, both throughout the Nation and throughout the world, is a great tribute to generations of talented American composers, musicians, lyricists, and singers. This month, we gratefully acknowledge their many gifts to us and proudly celebrate the uniquely American art form that is country music. The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 603, has designated October 1990 as “Country Music Month” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month. 104 STAT. 5424 NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 1990 as Country Music Month.
I invite all Americans to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6206 October 17, 1990 National Drug-Free Schools and Communities Education and Awareness Day, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6206 of October 17, 1990 National Drug-Free Schools and Communities Education and Awareness Day, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation’s efforts to eliminate the scourge of illicit drug use and trafficking-efforts made in cooperation with other countries and conducted at all levels of law enforcement—have begun to bear fruit.
In many parts of the United States today cocaine is harder to find, more expensive. and less pure than it was one year ago. Drug cartels that once seemed invincible have seen their operations significantly disrupted. Last month, new survey research released by the Partnership for a Drug Free America confirmed a trend already observed in other surveys and government indicators: a turn away from drugs in American attitudes and behavior, especially among young people, fewer of whom are using drugs than at any time since 1979.
Such progress accentuates the importance of maintaining a strong, united front among government officials, law enforcement personnel, parents, educators, and business and community leaders as we wage the war against drugs. Although we have made important advances in the struggle to reclaim our schools and communities from the deadly influence of drug dealers, we know that there is still much work to do. Each day the news brings grim reminders of the violence and despair caused by substance abuse.
Illicit drug use and its consequences affect Americans of every age, every region, every race, and every walk of life. The toll in terms of health care costs and other economic losses is enormous. The toll in terms of personal suffering and wasted human potential is incalculable. The high price imposed on our society by drugs underscores the need for education and other efforts aimed at prevention. We must teach young Americans about the dangers of experimenting with drugs, and we must refuse to tolerate in our communities the merchants of death who deal them.
Because children learn by example, we must also ensure that our own lives reflect strong values, respect for the law, and a sense of personal responsibility and concern for others. Securing a drug-free future for every American school and community will require the personal commitment and sustained cooperation of parents, students, teachers, law enforcement personnel, members of the 104 STAT. 5425clergy, elected officials, and business and community leaders. On this occasion, let us renew our determination to promote policies, educational programs, and activities designed to deter drug use, and let us reaffirm our commitment to helping drug-addicted individuals in need of rehabilitation.
The Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 304, has designated October 17, 1990, as “National Drug-Free Schools and Communities Education and Awareness 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 October 17, 1990, as National Drug- Free Schools and Communities Education and Awareness Day. 1 urge all Americans and their elected representatives at every level of government to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6207 October 17, 1990 Veterans Day, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6207 of October 17, 1990 Veterans Day, 1990 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Bible tells us that no greater love has a man than this: to lay down his life for a friend.
Our Nation’s military veterans are brave and self-less individuals who, when duty called, were willing to put themselves in harm’s way to defend the lives and liberty of others. Each November 11, we pause with solemn pride and heartfelt gratitude to honor this special group of Americans. The sacrifices they have made for our sake—and, indeed, for the sake of millions of freedom-loving men and women around the world—can never be forgotten. Their abiding patriotism and enduring devotion to the ideals on which the United States is founded can never fail to inspire us.
This Nation’s veterans have made their stand for freedom and democratic ideals from the Argonne Forest to the windswept Aleutian Islands, from the searing deserts of North Africa to the steep hills and dense jungles of Southeast Asia. Some have defended the cause of individual liberty and self-government in more recent conflicts and less remote places, such as Grenada and Panama. They have seen comrades-in-arms fall on the field of battle, giving “the last full measure of devotion” for our country and the vision of freedom and justice we hold dear.
They, too, have suffered and sacrificed, carrying on the light of liberty with efforts that have been equally selfless and heroic. It is fitting that we pause on the anniversary of “Armistice Day,” a day of peace and celebration, to honor America’s veterans and to express 104 STAT. 5426our gratitude for their courage and sacrifice. World War I, which ended with the signing of the Armistice on November 11, 1918, did not, as millions of people hoped, prove to be “The War to End All Wars.
” Nevertheless, we know that our world is safer, freer, and more peaceful today thanks to the vigilance and resolve of our Armed Forces. Indeed, our Nation’s veterans have helped to bring peace and freedom to regions of the world that once suffered under the shadow of hostility and oppression. The triumph of democratic ideals in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world provides powerful evidence that their sacrifices were not made in vain. Although the dramatic social and political changes we have witnessed around the world during the past year provide a resounding affirmation of the ideals our veterans have fought to uphold, current events in the Persian Gulf region underscore the need for continued strength and vigilance on the part of free nations.
As veterans have so often reminded us, eternal vigilance is, indeed, the price of liberty. These great heroes who have left their own “footprints on the sands of time” know that preparedness deters aggression, and they understand the important task before those American service men and women now keeping watch along the sands and off the shores of Saudi Arabia. On this Veterans Day, mindful of President Wilson’s call to honor our Nation’s war heroes with a 2-minute interval of silence at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1919, let us pause to remember and pray for all those men and women who have since served in the United States Armed Forces.
Through special services, programs, and ceremonies held in their honor on this day, let us affirm that their singular contributions to our country are cherished and remembered. Let us also strive, each and every day of the year, to ensure that ours remains a land worthy of the great love our veterans have shown for it. In order that we may pay due tribute to those who have served in our Armed Forces, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America’s veterans.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Sunday, November 11, 1990, as Veterans Day. I urge all Americans to honor our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials to display the flag of the United States and to encourage and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, churches, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with suitable commemorative expressions and programs.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifteenth. GEORGE BUSH 6208 October 18, 1990 Crime Prevention Month, 1990 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
Connectionstraces to 1
Traces to 1 document
U.S. Code
4 references not yet in our index
- Pub. L. 101-258
- 36 USC 155
- Pub. L. 86-753
- 36 USC 163
Citation graph
cites case law
Proclamation 6199
Pub. L.Pub. L. 101-258
Cite36 USC 155
Pub. L.Pub. L. 86-753
Cite36 USC 163
Cites 5Cited by 0 across 0 sources