Proclamation 6861.

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110 STAT. 4499 Proclamation 6861 of January 12, 1996 Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our country’s motto, “E Pluribus Unum”—out of many, we are one—charges us to find common values among our varied experience and to forge a national identity out of our extraordinary diversity. Our great leaders have been defined not only by their actions, but also by their ability to inspire people toward a unity of purpose.

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who focused attention on the segregation that poisoned our society and whose example moved our Nation to embrace a new standard of openness and inclusion. From Montgomery to Birmingham, from the Lincoln Memorial to Memphis, Dr. King led us to see the great contradiction between our founders’ declaration that “all men are created equal” and the daily reality of oppression endured by African Americans. His words have become such a part of our moral fabric that we may forget that only a generation ago, children of different races were legally forbidden to attend the same schools, that segregated buses and trains traveled our neighborhoods, and that African Americans were often prevented from registering to vote.

Echoing Abraham Lincoln’s warning that a house divided against itself cannot stand, Dr. King urged, “We must learn to live together as brothers, or we will perish as fools.” Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call for American society to truly reflect the ideals on which it was built succeeded in galvanizing a political and moral consensus that led to legislation guaranteeing all our citizens the right to vote, to obtain housing, to enter places of public accommodation, and to participate in all aspects of American life without regard to race, gender, background, or belief.

But despite the great accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement, we have not yet torn down every obstacle to equality. Too many of our cities are still racially segregated, and remaining barriers to education and opportunity have caused an array of social problems that disproportionately affect African Americans. As a result, blacks and whites often see the world in strikingly different ways and too often view each other through a lens of mistrust or fear. Today we face a choice between the dream of racial harmony that Martin Luther King, Jr., described and a deepening of the rift that divides the races in America.

We must have the faith and wisdom that Dr. King preached and the convictions he lived by if we are to make this a time for healing and progress—and each of us must play a role. For only by sitting down with our neighbors in the workplace and classroom, reaching across racial lines in our places of worship and community centers, and examining our own most deep-seated beliefs, can we have the honest conversations that will enable us to understand the different ways we each experience the challenges of modern life.

This is the peaceful process of reconciliation that Dr. King fought and died for, and we must do all we can to live and teach his lesson. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Con110 STAT. 4500stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 15, 1996, as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this occasion with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6862 January 12, 1996 Religious Freedom Day, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6862 of January 12, 1996 Religious Freedom Day, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On this day over 200 years ago, Virginia’s General Assembly passed a law that created the first legal protection for religious freedom in this country.

Introducing his bill to the Virginia Assembly, Thomas Jefferson stated that he was not creating a new right confined simply to the State of Virginia or to the United States, but rather declared religious liberty to be one of the “natural rights of mankind” that should be shared by all people. Jefferson’s language was shepherded through the legislature by James Madison, who later used it as a model for the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Americans have long benefited from our founders’ wisdom, and the Constitution’s twin pillars of religious liberty—its protection of the free exercise of religion and its ban on the establishment of religion by the Government—have allowed an enormous diversity of spiritual beliefs to thrive throughout our country.

Today, more than 250,000 churches, synagogues, mosques, meeting houses, and other places of worship serve to bring citizens together, strengthening families and helping communities to keep their faith traditions alive. We must continue to ensure full protection for religious liberty and help people of different faiths to find common ground. Our Nation’s profound commitment to religious freedom reminds us that many people around the world lack the safeguard of law to protect them from prejudice and persecution.

We deplore the religious intolerance that too often tears neighbor from neighbor, and we must remain an international advocate for the ideal of human brotherhood and sisterhood and for the basic rights that sustain human dignity and personal freedom. Let us pledge our support to all who struggle against religious oppression and rededicate ourselves to fostering peace among people with divergent beliefs so that what Americans experience as a “natural right” may be enjoyed by individuals and societies everywhere.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 January 16, 1996, as Religious Freedom Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and 110 STAT. 4501programs, and I urge all Americans to reaffirm their devotion to the fundamental principles of religious freedom and religious tolerance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6863 January 30, 1996 National African American History Month, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6863 of January 30, 1996 National African American History Month, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Today’s schoolchildren are fortunate to grow up in classrooms where they are taught to appreciate all of the many heroes of American history.

While previous generations read textbooks that told only part of our Nation’s story, materials have been developed in recent years that give our students a fuller picture—textured and deepened by new characters and themes. African American History Month provides a special opportunity for teachers and schools to celebrate this ongoing process and to focus on the many African Americans whose lives have shaped our common experience. This year, our observance emphasizes black women and the strides made to bring their achievements to the fore.

From Sojourner Truth’s sermons, to Mary McLeod Bethune’s speeches, to the contemporary novels of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison, the voices of African American women have called attention to the twin burdens of racism and sexism and have invited listeners to discover the richness of traditions kept alive in back kitchens and workrooms. In churches and communities, and more recently in universities and statehouses across America, these women have fought extraordinary battles for social, economic, and political empowerment.

Barbara Jordan once wrote, ‘We the people’; it is a very eloquent beginning. But when the Constitution of the United States was completed on the seventeenth of September, 1787, I was not included in that ‘We the people.’.......................................................................................................... As we mourn the loss of this great American, let us honor her by seeking to further the progress made since those early days toward true equality and inclusion.

During African American History Month and throughout the year, we must embrace the diverse strands of our story so that all children can see themselves in our Nation’s past and know that they have a role to play in seizing the future’s countless opportunities. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 February 1996, as National African American History Month.

I call upon Government officials, educators in schools, colleges, universities, and li110 STAT. 4502braries, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs that raise awareness of African American history and invite further inquiry into this area of study. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6864 February 1, 1996 American Heart Month, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6864 of February 1, 1996 American Heart Month, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation There are few among us whose lives have not been touched by the devastating effects of heart disease. Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, takes one million of our citizens each year, and heart disease remains the single leading cause of death in this country.

Millions of Americans suffer from high blood pressure, and millions more have high levels of blood cholesterol. Studies also show sharp increases in the number of people who are overweight and physically inactive. It is, however, encouraging that public health efforts are raising awareness of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Though some—family history and age—are inescapable, the risks posed by high blood pressure and high cholesterol, lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, and obesity can be greatly reduced through modifications to personal behavior.

Advances in research have helped us to gain a better understanding of heart disease, provided new diagnostic methods, and helped develop treatments that save lives and vastly improve the outlook for stricken patients. We can be proud that the Federal Government has contributed to the fight against heart disease by supporting the efforts of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, and by promoting new dietary and health guidelines.

The American Heart Association, through research, education programs, and the work of its vital network of volunteers, has also played a crucial role. As we observe American Heart Month, let us build on our achievements by learning more about the causes of heart disease and by making the changes we can to improve our cardiovascular health. Recognizing that even small adjustments to diet and exercise habits can yield significant benefits, we can help those who already suffer from heart disease and encourage those who are taking their first steps toward better, healthier lives.

In recognition of the need for all Americans to become involved in the work to stop heart disease, the Congress, by Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963 (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 169b), has requested that 110 STAT. 4503the President issue an annual proclamation designating February as “American Heart Month.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 1996, as American Heart Month. I call upon the Governors of the several States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in reaffirming our commitment to combatting cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6865 February 7, 1996 150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6865 of February 7, 1996 150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation When James Smithson, an English scientist, died in 1829, he gave his entire estate “to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name Smithsonian Institution, an Establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.

” This extraordinary gift, amounting to one and one-half times the Federal budget of the day, led to passage of an Act of Congress establishing the Smithsonian Institution. Signed by President James Polk on August 10, 1846, this legislation created a Board of Regents to oversee the execution of Smithson’s trust. Today, 150 years later, the Smithsonian Institution is famed around the globe, and its collections are enjoyed by thousands of Americans and foreign visitors every day.

Through dedicated original research, the preservation of an unequaled collection of artifacts, and the presentation of public exhibitions and programs, the Smithsonian truly embodies its benefactor’s dream. As one of the foremost repositories of American heritage and culture, the Institution provides unique insight into our history and the development of our vibrant national character. As we celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Smithsonian Institution, let us recognize the work done by its many museums, research facilities, and educational endeavors and rededicate ourselves to the “increase and diffusion of knowledge” James Smithson sought to advance.

In doing so, we can more fully explore the wonders of our world and continue to bring people together for the common pursuit of knowledge. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, and in honor of the memory of James Smithson and to commemorate the accomplishments of the Smithsonian Institution, do hereby proclaim August 10, 1996, as the 150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution and urge the people 110 STAT. 4504of the United States to observe this anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6866 February 26, 1996 American Red Cross Month, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6866 of February 26, 1996 American Red Cross Month, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since its founding in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has brought hope and healing to citizens and communities across the country.

Today, some 1.4 million trained volunteers work to fulfill the Red Cross’ mission by providing relief to disaster victims; by ensuring that our Nation has an adequate and safe blood supply; by training millions of Americans in essential lifesaving and safety techniques; and by assisting members of our Armed Forces, their families, and our distinguished veterans. This past year, the American Red Cross has carried on its extraordinary legacy across the country and around the world.

When a bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City on April 19, the Red Cross was there within minutes to assist those whose loved ones were killed in the tragic blast. After a series of record-breaking storms and hurricanes ruined houses and displaced people, the Red Cross served more than a million meals and helped victims to begin rebuilding their lives. And today, as OPERATION JOINT ENDEAVOR works to secure the peace in Bosnia, the Red Cross is facilitating emergency communications between our troops and their families at home.

The Red Cross has earned our Nation’s deepest respect and appreciation for its important lifesaving and life-rebuilding work and for its countless daily efforts to promote health and safety. This month and throughout the year, let us take time to recognize this vital organization and do all we can to further its goals of preventing, preparing for, and responding to emergencies. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 1996, as American Red Cross Month.

I urge all the people of the United States to support Red Cross chapters nationwide by volunteering and participating in Red Cross blood drives. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of February, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and 110 STAT. 4505ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6867 March 1, 1996 Declaration of a National Emergency and Invocation of Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6867 of March 1, 1996 Declaration of a National Emergency and Invocation of Emergency Authority Relating to the Regulation of the Anchorage and Movement of Vessels By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation WHEREAS, on February 24, 1996, Cuban military aircraft intercepted and destroyed two unarmed U.S.-registered civilian aircraft in international airspace north of Cuba;

WHEREAS the Government of Cuba has demonstrated a ready and reckless willingness to use excessive force, including deadly force, in the ostensible enforcement of its sovereignty; WHEREAS, on July 13, 1995, persons in U.S.-registered vessels who entered into Cuban territorial waters suffered injury as a result of the reckless use of force against them by the Cuban military; and WHEREAS the entry of U.S.-registered vessels into Cuban territorial waters could again result in injury to, or loss of life of, persons engaged in that conduct, due to the potential use of excessive force, including deadly force, against them by the Cuban military, and could threaten a disturbance in international relations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 1 of title II of Public Law 65–24, ch. 30, June 15, 1917, as amended (50 U.S.C. 191), sections 201 and 301 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 *et seq*.), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, find and do hereby proclaim that a national emergency does exist by reason of a disturbance or threatened disturbance of international relations.

In order to address this national emergency and to secure the observance of the rights and obligations of the United States, I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of Transportation (the “Secretary”) to make and issue such rules and regulations as the Secretary may find appropriate to regulate the anchorage and movement of vessels, and delegate to the Secretary my authority to approve such rules and regulations, as authorized by the Act of June 15, 1917. **Section 1.** The Secretary may make rules and regulations governing the anchorage and movement of any vessel, foreign or domestic, in the territorial waters of the United States, which may be used, or is susceptible of being used, for voyage into Cuban territorial waters and that may create unsafe conditions and threaten a disturbance of international relations.

Any rule or regulation issued pursuant to this proclamation may be effective immediately upon issuance as such rule or regulation shall involve a foreign affairs function of the United States. 110 STAT. 4506 **Sec. 2.** The Secretary is authorized to inspect any vessel, foreign or domestic, in the territorial waters of the United States, at any time; to place guards on any such vessel; and, with my consent expressly hereby granted, take full possession and control of any such vessel and remove the officers and crew, and all other persons not specifically authorized by the Secretary to go or remain on board the vessel when necessary to secure the rights and obligations of the United States. **Sec. 3.** The Secretary may request assistance from such departments, agencies, officers, or instrumentalities of the United States as the Secretary deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this proclamation.

Such departments, agencies, officers, or instrumentalities shall, consistent with other provisions of law and to the extent practicable, provide requested assistance. **Sec. 4.** The Secretary may seek assistance from State and local authorities in carrying out the purposes of this proclamation. Because State and local assistance may be essential for an effective response to this emergency, I urge all State and local officials to cooperate with Federal authorities and to take all actions within their lawful authority necessary to prevent the unauthorized departure of vessels intending to enter Cuban territorial waters. **Sec. 5.** All powers and authorities delegated by this proclamation to the Secretary may be delegated by the Secretary to other officers and agents of the United States Government unless otherwise prohibited by law. **Sec. 6.** This proclamation shall be immediately transmitted to the Congress and published in the Federal Register.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6868 March 1, 1996 Irish-American Heritage Month, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6868 of March 1, 1996 Irish-American Heritage Month, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation I am pleased to count myself among the over 40 million Americans who can trace their heritage back to Ireland.

Like so many of our forebears, immigrants from the Emerald Isle came to this country seeking dignity and prosperity, and they brought with them traditions rooted in the values of family and faith. Some arrived on our shores even before our Nation was founded, lending their energy to the establishment of our Republic; nine sons of Ireland signed the Declaration of Independence, and our first President, George Washington, proudly claimed Irish ancestry. The largest wave of Irish immigration occurred 150 years ago. when more than 1 million people left Ireland for America as potato blight and famine devastated their homeland.

These sons and daughters of 110 STAT. 4507Erin transformed our cities, stimulating industry and commerce from New York to Boston to Chicago. In pursuing the American Dream, they set an example of courage, hard work, and determination that was to be followed again and again by hopeful newcomers. Today, Irish Americans celebrate this history and the contributions that their brethren have made to all aspects of American life—providing leadership in Government, the law, business, finance, literature, and the arts.

Renewed interest in Gaelic culture has led to university courses in Irish studies, and hundreds of Saint Patrick’s Day parades across the country attest to the vigor of Irish American communities. This month and throughout the year, let us recognize the gifts brought to America by children of Ireland and honor the strengths they have added to our national character. In tribute to all Irish Americans, the Congress, by Public Law 103–379, has designated March 1996 as “Irish-American Heritage Month” and has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this month.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 March 1996 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6869 March 1, 1996 Save Your Vision Week, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6869 of March 1, 1996 Save Your Vision Week, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Vision is a remarkable gift. Our eyes allow us to read, to see the faces of our loved ones, and to experience many of life’s greatest pleasures. Too often, we take our sight for granted and must be reminded that our eyes require regular care and attention.

The more we learn about preventing eye disease and vision loss, the better equipped we will be to take care of these vital organs. Many young people suffer from vision-related learning disabilities that jeopardize their academic success. However, with early intervention, such sight problems are often easily correctable. Senior citizens, too, are particularly vulnerable to eye difficulties, but we are fortunate that advances in medical research are improving our understanding of the diseases that often rob older Americans of their sight.

As a result of these new technologies and discoveries in the field of eye care, many diseases that would have caused permanent sight loss just decades ago can now be treated with excellent prospects for full 110 STAT. 4508recovery. For example, people with diabetes can reduce their risk of blindness with timely laser surgery, the effects of glaucoma can often be prevented, and studies are exploring the role of vitamins and minerals in slowing the progression of age-related macular degeneration and cataract.

To educate people about these strides and to encourage all Americans to protect their precious eyesight, 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 in March of each year as “Save Your Vision Week.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 3 through March 9, 1996, as Save Your Vision Week. I urge all the people of the United States to participate in this observance by making eye care and eye safety a priority and to recognize the important contributions that vision research makes to our lives.

I invite eye care professionals, the media, and all public and private organizations committed to the goal of sight preservation to join in activities that educate our citizens about the simple steps they can take to save their vision. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6870 March 8, 1996 National Park Week, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6870 of March 8, 1996 National Park Week, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For millions of visitors every year, America’s 369 national parks serve as living examples of the diversity, history, and natural wonders that have always defined this country.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women of the National Park Service, whose outstanding work to preserve and protect these treasures ensures that they will be available to educate and enrich generations of Americans to come. The National Park Service also reaches beyond the boundaries of our parks to share knowledge and expertise with other nations, State and local governments, American Indian tribes and Alaska Natives, agencies, and thousands of organizations and individuals.

National Park Service programs are helping community leaders to create green spaces in urban areas from Seattle to Philadelphia; to rehabilitate the historic canal in Augusta, Georgia; and to return grey wolves to Yellowstone, red wolves to the Great Smoky Mountains, big horn sheep to the Rocky Mountains, and the peregrine falcon to parks nationwide. Our national parks benefit from the work of many citizens dedicated to environmental stewardship and historic preservation. By working directly with the National Park Service or through the National Park Foundation, its congressionally chartered nonprofit corollary, park 110 STAT. 4509partners sponsor educational programs, raise funds, provide visitor services, and donate time and materials to support our great public resources.

These partners include the Student Conservation Association, the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and hundreds of other interested organizations. Drawn from corporations, associations, and communities everywhere, over 100,000 Americans volunteer annually to keep our park system strong. This year, National Park Week is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the commitment of the National Park Service and its partners to America’s unique historical, cultural, and natural heritage.

I urge all the people of the United States to learn more about our national parks, the programs available in their communities, and to seek out opportunities to become a national park partner. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 April 22 through April 28, 1996, as National Park Week. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6871 March 11, 1996 National Poison Prevention Week, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6871 of March 11, 1996 National Poison Prevention Week, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As we recognize National Poison Prevention Week, we can be proud of the 35 years of public health efforts that have dramatically reduced the number of childhood deaths caused by poisoning.

Measures such as child-resistant packaging and the lifesaving work of poison prevention experts have raised awareness of this important issue and given families and caregivers strategies to safeguard young people from harm. Nevertheless, the American Association of Poison Control Centers estimates that over one million children each year are exposed to potentially toxic household materials. The Poison Prevention Week Council, a coalition of 38 national organizations dedicated to ending this threat, distributes valuable information to poison control centers, pharmacies, public health departments, and others to aid community poison prevention efforts.

In addition, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has long required child-resistant packaging for a number of medicines and household chemicals. The recent development of such packaging that is easier for adults to open will mean more conscientious use of hazardous products and a decreased risk of accidental poisoning. This week and throughout the year, we must remember that small safety measures—such as using child-resistant packaging correctly and keeping harmful substances locked away from children—can save lives.

And if a poisoning occurs, a poison control center can offer 110 STAT. 4510emergency intervention. By keeping these simple measures in mind, we can better protect our children and make home safety a routine part of our daily lives. To encourage the American people to learn more about the dangers of accidental poisoning and to take preventive steps, the Congress, by Public Law 87–319 (75 Stat. 681), has authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating the third week of March of each year as “National Poison Prevention Week.

” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim March 17 through March 23, 1996, as National Poison Prevention Week. I call upon all Americans to observe this week by participating in appropriate ceremonies, activities, and educational programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6872 March 19, 1996 Women’s History Month, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6872 of March 19, 1996 Women’s History Month, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation It is impossible to fully appreciate America’s proud history without recognizing the extraordinary contributions that women have made to our country since its founding. Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the countless women who have enriched our Nation and to ensure that their achievements—in homes and businesses, schools and hospitals, courtrooms and statehouses—will always be remembered.

We have come a long way since Abigail Adams asked her husband John to “remember the ladies” when drafting the Constitution, and we recognize that women not only have broadened and reshaped the path laid by our Founding Fathers, but also have made new avenues toward progress and justice. Female workers filled the textile mills that drove the Industrial Revolution. Women like Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton fought tirelessly for suffrage and women’s rights.

Jane Addams founded America’s first settlement house for poor immigrants and established social work as a new and respected field. And farm and migrant laborers across the country gained the leadership of Dolores Huerta when she joined the newly created United Farm Workers Union. Indeed, there is no aspect of our history left untouched by women—from the first published American poet, Anne Bradstreet; to Sacajawea, Lewis and Clark’s interpreter and guide; to Harriet Tubman, heroine of the Underground Railroad; to Margaret Mead, who revolutionized the study of anthropology.

Writers and artists such as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Mary Cassatt, Beverly Sills, Amy Tan, and Martha Graham have cap110 STAT. 4511tured our imaginations. Champions like Wilma Rudolph and Bonnie Blair have taken America to great heights in the international sports world. Today, women make up close to half of our Nation’s labor force, and women-owned businesses are changing the face of the American and global economies. But barriers to equality remain. Despite the efforts of women like Esther Peterson, a leader in the effort to end gender-based salary differences, many women are still paid considerably less than their male counterparts.

Often these women also struggle with the dual responsibilities of raising a family and meeting the demands of a full-time job. Last September, thousands of women from around the globe met to discuss these issues at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, and to develop a Platform for Action. The resulting document represents a powerful consensus on the need to advance women’s status by improving access to education, health care, jobs, and credit.

It describes the fundamental desire of all women to enjoy basic legal and human rights and to take part in political life. Only through our commitment to these principles can we forever end discrimination and injustice based on gender, promote women’s full participation in all aspects of American life, and join people everywhere who seek true equality. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 March 1996, as Women’s History Month.

I call upon Government officials, educators, and all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities; to remember year-round the many important contributions that women make to our country each day; and to learn and share information about women’s history in homes, classrooms, and community centers across the Nation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this nineteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6873 March 22, 1996 Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6873 of March 22, 1996 Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation While Hellenic literature, art, architecture, and philosophy have profoundly influenced western civilization for over 2,000 years, democracy remains the most precious gift to our world from the Greeks of ancient times.

This manner of government, placing authority directly into the hands of the people, has long fulfilled the needs and aspirations of freedom-loving nations around the world. Our founders chose 110 STAT. 4512to adopt the democratic system when declaring America’s liberty, just as the Greek Constitution enshrines democracy as the governing rule of the Hellenic Republic. It is one of history’s great ironies that Greece, the birthplace of democracy, was subject for centuries to foreign domination, culminating in almost four hundred years of political suppression by the Ottoman Empire.

The Greeks’ age-old love of liberty remained strong, however, and in 1821, Greece began its successful struggle for self-determination. Today, as we commemorate the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of Greek independence, the citizens of Greece and the United States remember that with democracy come great responsibilities—to seek peaceful solutions to civil differences, to foster freedom and human rights in all nations, and to ensure that our laws continue to build upon our strong democratic foundation.

Standing shoulder to shoulder, Americans and Greeks fought for these principles on the battlefields of World War II and through the dark days of the Cold War. Today, while we celebrate Greek independence, we also remember all those around the world who still endure oppression and are denied economic, social, or political freedom. In recent years we have seen many nations break the bonds of tyranny, and we must continue to support others who seek to embrace democracy’s promise.

In doing so, we look forward to a day when people everywhere enjoy the rights and liberties that Greeks and Americans are so proud to share. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, 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 March 25, 1996, as Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6874 March 27, 1996 Death of Edmund Sixtus Muskie Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6874 of March 27, 1996 Death of Edmund Sixtus Muskie By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As a mark of respect for the memory of Edmund Sixtus Muskie, one of our Nation’s foremost public servants, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America by section 175 of title 36 of the United States Code, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions on 110 STAT. 4513Saturday, March 30, 1996.

I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff on that day at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6875 March 29, 1996 Cancer Control Month, 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 6875 of March 29, 1996 Cancer Control Month, 1996 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Research and the prompt application of research results have proved to be the strongest weapons we have against cancer.

And we are making great strides in the study of this deadly disease. Indeed, the understanding of the processes by which a normal cell is transformed into a cancer cell is one of the great achievements of cancer research. Genetic studies are leading to better understanding of many cancers and improving our ability to intervene and stop their spread. While the implications of some findings are still unclear, we know that further progress hinges on continued scientific inquiry, and we understand that basic research must remain a national priority.

In addition, all of us can act on information already at hand to make lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of developing cancer. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and contributed to nearly one-third of all cancer deaths in our Nation last year. In addition to causing 400,000 deaths, smoking left others living with cancer, respiratory illness, heart disease, and other illnesses. Despite the clear link between smoking and these illnesses and deaths, each day 3,000 young Americans begin to smoke—a habit that will shorten the lives of 1,000 of them.

We must address this problem. That is why the Food and Drug Administration proposed ways to limit young people’s access to tobacco, as well as ways to limit the advertising that is so appealing to our youth. That is also why this Administration published the Synar regulation—to ensure that States have and enforce laws prohibiting sales of tobacco to young people. Scientific evidence has also led to an increased understanding of the links between the foods we eat and certain types of cancer.

By reducing dietary fat, increasing fiber intake, consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, and avoiding obesity, every American can take steps to reduce the risk of cancer. The National Cancer Institute, in collaboration with the food industry, sponsors “5 A Day For Better Health,” a national program that encourages people to eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. And researchers continue to investigate nutrition programs that may have the potential to prevent cancer.

Mammography is another resource that can make a vital contribution to cancer control efforts, helping doctors detect breast tumors at an 110 STAT. 4514early, more treatable stage. Indeed, 93 percent of all women diagnosed with early breast cancer this year will live 5 years or longer. Recognizing the importance of this diagnostic tool, third-party reimbursement for mammograms is on the rise, and Medicare covers most of the cost of screening mammography for women over the age of 65.

I encourage State governments, insurance providers, medical facilities, and employers to develop policies that improve women’s access to this life-saving, affordable procedure. In another step forward, the Food and Drug Administration has proposed changing its review process for new cancer therapies. This new approach will shorten development time by several years, and the FDA is also cutting its own review time in half—from a year to about 6 months. All of these changes mean new therapies will be available sooner and will be accessible to more of our Nation’s cancer patients.

The FDA’s initiative could immediately affect at least 100 drugs now being studied—with dozens of them getting to the market sooner—and improve the lives of millions of Americans who can take advantage of those therapies. To publicize these advances and options, the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service helps patients, health professionals, and the public in all 50 States and Puerto Rico. Toll-free telephone service provides accurate, up-to-date information about prevention and detection methods, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and research.

In addition, the CIS’ outreach system has developed partnerships with other cancer organizations and Federal, State, and local health agencies to promote cancer education initiatives aimed at medically underserved and other special populations. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the National Cancer Act, which expanded and intensified America’s efforts to stop cancer. We can take pride in the gains that have been made toward this goal during the past quarter-century, but we must also remember the essential work that remains.

As we observe Cancer Control Month, let us renew and strengthen our abiding commitment to controlling and eliminating this disease so that our children and grandchildren can lead longer, healthier lives. In 1938, the Congress of the United States passed a joint resolution requesting the President to issue an annual proclamation declaring April as “Cancer Control Month.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim April 1996, as Cancer Control Month.

I invite the Governors of the 50 States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and the appropriate officials of all other areas under the American Flag to issue similar proclamations. I also call upon health care professionals, private industry, community groups, insurance companies, and all interested organizations and individuals to unite in support of our Nation’s determined efforts to control cancer. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of March, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twentieth.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 6876 March 29, 1996 Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A., 1996 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

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