Proclamation 7126.

8,400 words·~38 min read·/statutes-at-large/vol-112/proclamation-7126·

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

112 STAT. 3804 Proclamation 7126 of September 18, 1998 National Farm Safety and Health Week, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America’s agricultural industry plays an important role in our Nation’s economy. It provides us with an ample supply of high-quality food and fiber and a rewarding form of employment for millions of Americans. However, farming and ranching remain among our Nation’s most dangerous occupations, demanding an understanding of complex agricultural equipment, strict attention to detail, and careful performance of farm and ranch work.

Among the most hazardous duties on farms and ranches is the operation of farm tractors and machinery. This work is even more dangerous with extra riders, and all farm equipment operators should avoid carrying people on their machinery who are not necessary to their work. Using tractors and machinery can be especially dangerous during planting and harvesting seasons, when farmers and ranchers must use public highways to gain access to production fields or to bring the harvested crop to market.

During these times, all vehicle and equipment operators must exercise special caution on our roadways. After school, during the summer, and other times of the year when children have more unsupervised time, can be very hazardous to our next generation of farmers and ranchers. Since many agricultural operations are family-oriented, this work can bring younger family members into contact with the mechanical, chemical, and environmental hazards their more knowledgeable parents and older siblings face daily with appropriate caution.

Adults should strive to set good examples for younger, inexperienced workers and always carefully monitor children’s activities. Because of the environment they work in, agricultural workers also face serious health concerns. Noisy equipment and inadequate hearing protection frequently cause permanent hearing loss among farm and ranch employees, and skin cancer rates among agricultural workers are exceedingly high, due to long exposure to the sun and chemicals. In every farm environment, workers need to use protective gear to avoid health and safety hazards.

This is not only for their personal benefit— it also sends the right message to the young people who are the future agricultural workers of our Nation. 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 September 20 through September 26, 1998, as National Farm Safety and Health Week. I call upon government agencies, businesses, and professional associations that serve our agricultural sector to strengthen their efforts to promote safety and health programs among our Nation’s farm and ranch workers.

I ask agricultural workers to take advantage of the many diverse education and training programs and technical advancements that can help them avoid injury and illness. I also call upon our Nation to recognize Wednesday, September 23, 1998, as a day to focus on the risks facing young people on farms and ranches. Finally, I call upon 112 STAT. 3805the citizens of our Nation to reflect on the bounty we enjoy thanks to the labor and dedication of agricultural workers across our land.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight. and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7127 September 25, 1998 Gold Star Mother’s Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7127 of September 25, 1998 Gold Star Mother’s Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our Nation’s history, brave Americans have put on the uniforms of our Armed Services and placed themselves in harm’s way to preserve our cherished freedoms and advance the ideals of democracy.

In the brutality of war. many have sacrificed their lives, bringing devastating pain and grief to their families and friends. No one feels such a loss more acutely than do the mothers and fathers of these patriots who have paid so dearly to serve our country. To bear and nurture children, to give them life and unbounded love, to raise them with care to adulthood, only to lose them to the fatal grip of war, brings an abiding sorrow. Yet, with strength and determination, a group of extraordinary women has transformed sorrow into service to others.

Since 1928, America’s Gold Star Mothers have worked together to serve their communities and our Nation. They bring comfort and hope to disabled veterans and their families, to keep alive the memory of all Americans who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom, and to promote harmony among all the peoples of the world. Their quest for peace is especially poignant because they know better than most the cruel costs of war. Every Gold Star Mother has faced the inevitable and unyielding truth that the proud son or daughter who marched off to battle will never come home to her loving arms.

Bound by sorrow yet filled with compassion, America’s Gold Star Mothers are a noble example of love, dedication, and patriotism. As a Nation, we have a sacred duty to remember those who have died in service to our country, but we have an important responsibility to the living as well. America’s Gold Star Mothers deserve our unfailing gratitude and profound respect, not only for their courage and compassion in the face of great personal sadness, but also for their constant love for our country and their fellow Americans.

That is why the Congress, by Senate Joint Resolution 115 of June 23, 1936 (49 Stat. 1895), has designated the last Sunday in September as “Gold Star Mother’s Day” and authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 27, 1998, as Gold Star Mother’s Day. I call on all government officials to display the United States flag on government buildings on this day.

I also urge the 112 STAT. 3806American people to display the flag and to hold appropriate meetings in their homes, places of worship, or other suitable places, as a public expression of the sympathy and the respect that our Nation holds for its Gold Star Mothers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third.

WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7128 September 29, 1998 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7128 of September 29, 1998 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Today America is enjoying great prosperity, with the prospect of an even brighter future in the 21st century. Our economy is the strongest it has been in a generation.

We have created more than 16 million new jobs in the past 5 years, and we are witnessing the lowest inflation rate in three decades, the lowest unemployment rate in 28 years, and the smallest welfare rolls in 29 years. But we cannot consider ourselves truly successful until all Americans, including the 30 million working- age adults with disabilities, have access to the tools and opportunities they need to achieve economic independence. The Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA)is making it possible for millions of Americans to participate more fully in our society. However, 8 years after the ADA’s passage, the unemployment rate among people with disabilities is still far too high. Almost 75 percent of working-age Americans with severe disabilities remain unemployed. If America is to live up to its promise of equal opportunity, and if our economy is to continue to strengthen and expand, we must be able to draw on the untapped energy, talents, and creativity of this large and capable segment of our population. Last March, I issued an Executive order to establish the National Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities and begin to break down the remaining barriers for people with disabilities. I charged the Task Force with creating a coordinated and aggressive national strategy to make equality of opportunity, full participation, inclusion, and economic self-sufficiency a reality for all working-age Americans with disabilities. I have also directed the Attorney General, the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to increase public awareness of rights and responsibilities under the ADA. It is particularly important to reach out in this effort to the small business community, because it employs most of our Nation’s private work force. Employment is the best path to economic security and to personal and professional fulfillment. I salute disability community leaders, business and labor leaders, government officials, community organizations, and concerned citizens who are working together to remove the remaining 112 STAT. 3807obstacles on that path so that all Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to contribute to our national life. To recognize the great potential of people with disabilities and to encourage all Americans to work toward their full integration in the work force, the Congress, by joint resolution approved August 11, 1945, as amended (36 U.S.C. 155), has designated October of each year as “National Disability Employment Awareness Month.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 1998 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, educators, labor leaders, employers, and the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities that reaffirm our determination to fulfill both the letter and the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7129 September 30, 1998 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7129 of September 30, 1998 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Domestic violence is a leading cause of injury to American women, and teenage girls between the ages of 16 and 19 experience one of the highest rates of such violence. A woman is battered every 15 seconds in the United States, and 30 percent of female murder victims are killed by current or former partners. Equally disturbing is the impact of domestic violence on children. Witnessing such violence has a devastating emotional effect on children, and between 50 and 70 percent of men who abuse their female partners abuse their children as well. From inner cities to rural communities, domestic violence affects individuals of every age, culture, class, gender, race, and religion. Combatting the violence that threatens many of our Nation’s families is among my highest priorities as President. Through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), included in the historic Crime Bill I signed into law, we have more than tripled funding for programs that combat domestic violence and sexual abuse—investing over half a billion dollars since 1994. The Violence Against Women Office at the Department of Justice, which coordinates the Federal Government’s implementation of the Act, is leading a comprehensive national effort to combine tough Federal laws with assistance to State and local programs designed to fight domestic violence and aid its victims. With VAWA grants, communities across our country have been able to hire more prosecutors and improve domestic violence training among police officers, prosecutors, and health and social service professionals. 112 STAT. 3808 My Administration has also worked to enact other important legislation that sends the clear message that family violence is a serious crime. The Interstate Stalking Punishment and Prevention Act of 1996 stiffens the penalties against perpetrators who pursue women across State lines to stalk, threaten, or abuse them; and an extension of the Brady Law prohibits anyone convicted of a domestic violence offense from owning a firearm. Since 1996, the 24–hour National Domestic Violence Hotline (1–800–799–SAFE) we established has provided immediate crisis intervention, counseling, and referrals for those in need, responding to as many as 10,000 calls each month. In observing the month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we also recognize the dedicated efforts of professionals and volunteers who take up this cause every day, offering protection, guidance, encouragement, and compassion to the survivors of family violence. We reaffirm our pledge to strengthen our collective national response to crimes of domestic violence. Most important, we strengthen our commitment to raise public awareness of the frequency of domestic violence, recognize the signs of such violence, and intervene before it escalates. If we are ever to erase the pain of these heinous crimes, we must help victims become survivors and, once and for all, end the scourge of violence in America’s homes. 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 October 1998 as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, law enforcement agencies, health professionals, educators, community leaders, and the American people to join together to end the domestic violence that threatens so many of our people. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7130 October 1, 1998 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7130 of October 1, 1998 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation For the millions of us who have lost loved ones to breast cancer, this annual observance brings with it both sorrow and hope—sorrow that medical breakthroughs came too late to save a beloved relative or friend, and hope that new efforts in research, prevention, and treatment will protect other families from suffering the impact of this devastating disease. Recent declines in the rate of breast cancer deaths among American women reflect the progress we have made in early detection and improved treatment. But it is urgent that we continue to build on that progress. This year alone, another 180,000 cases of breast112 STAT. 3809 cancer will be diagnosed, and some 44,000 women will die from the disease. We are waging America’s crusade against breast cancer on many fronts. Spearheading the effort is the National Action Plan on Breast Cancer (NAPBC)—the product of a conference convened by Secretary of Health and Human Services

(HHS)Donna Shalala that included advocates, women with breast cancer, their families, clinicians, researchers, members of Congress, educators, and the media. The NAPBC is helping to coordinate the national response to breast cancer by fostering communication, cooperation, and collaboration among experts both inside and outside of the Government. The lead Government agency conducting breast cancer research and control programs is the National Cancer Institute

(NCI)at HHS. By developing an index of genes involved in breast and other cancers, the NCI is improving our understanding of the disease at the molecular level. Research into the relationship between breast cancer and genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 is helping us to better comprehend how the disease develops, allowing researchers to understand more precisely the risk of breast cancer caused by mutations in these genes. The most encouraging advance thus far in prevention research came from the landmark Breast Cancer Prevention Trial. This study, a national clinical trial sponsored by the NCI, found that women at high risk for breast cancer reduced that risk by taking the drug tamoxifen, demonstrating that breast cancer can actually be prevented. The NCI is now developing an educational program to help physicians and patients decide who should consider taking tamoxifen. Researchers are also making advances in breast cancer treatment and have found ways to combine chemotherapy drugs to make treatment more effective for patients whose cancer has spread. Drugs have also been developed to alleviate some of the side effects of chemotherapy. But these breakthroughs in cancer research and treatment can only help if women are informed about them. During this month, I invite all Americans to take part in our national effort to save lives. Let us join together to make sure that women and their families hear the message about the importance of screening and early detection, receive recommended screening mammograms, and have access to appropriate treatment. We have won important battles in our war on breast cancer, and we have cause to celebrate; nevertheless, we must remain focused on gaining the ultimate victory—an America free from breast cancer. 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 October 1998 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon government officials, businesses, communities, health care professionals, educators, volunteers, and all the people of the United States to publicly reaffirm our Nation’s strong and continuing commitment to controlling and curing breast cancer. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7131 October 2, 1998 Fire Prevention Week, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7131 of October 2, 1998 112 STAT. 3810 Fire Prevention Week, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Fire claims more than 4,000 American lives each year, a tragic loss of life that we can and must prevent. Nearly 80 percent of these deaths occur in the home, where smoke and poisonous gases often kill people long before flames can reach them. Underestimating fire’s deadly speed has cost many Americans their lives. Smoke alarms are one of the most effective safety tools available to ensure sufficient escape time, and research shows that by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms, we can reduce the risk of fire- related death by nearly 50 percent. Another important safety measure is a home fire escape plan, which enables everyone in the household to exit quickly during a fire emergency. As sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for more than 70 years, the National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA)has selected “Fire Drills—The Great Escape!” as the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week. Together with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the NFPA reminds us to take responsibility for our personal safety and practice our home escape plans. On Wednesday, October 7, 1998, fire departments across America will coordinate home fire drills in support of National Fire Prevention Week. Community fire departments will signal the start of the “Great Escape Fire Drill” by sounding their stations’ fire alarms at 6:00 p.m. As we focus on fire safety this week, let us also pay tribute to the courage and commitment of our Nation’s fire and emergency services personnel. These dedicated men and women devote themselves, day in and day out, to protecting our lives and property from the ravages of fire. All America watched in awe this summer as thousands of firefighters from across the Nation battled the wildfires that raged through Florida for so many weeks. Leaving their own homes and families, these heroes put their lives on the line as street by street, house by house, they worked to save the homes of their fellow Americans. It is fitting that on Sunday, October 4, 1998, at the 17th annual National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland, our Nation will honor once again the valiant men and women across our country whose commitment to protecting our families and communities from fire cost them their lives. 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 October 4 through October 10, 1998, as Fire Prevention Week. I encourage people of the United States to take an active role in fire prevention not only this week, but also throughout the year. I also call upon every citizen to pay tribute to the members of our fire and emergency services who have lost their lives or been injured in service to their communities, and to those men and women who carry on their noble tradition. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight,112 STAT. 3811 and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7132 October 5, 1998 Child Health Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7132 of October 5, 1998 Child Health Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation As caring parents and citizens, we must do all we can to ensure that our children, our Nation’s greatest resource, lead safe and healthy lives. Today, thanks to scientific breakthroughs and increased public awareness, we have the ability to prevent many of the childhood illnesses and disorders of the past. We have raised immunization rates to an all-time high, ensured that prescription drugs will be adequately tested for children, conducted research to help protect children from environmental health risks, and established protections so that mothers can stay in hospitals with their newborns until they and their doctors decide they are ready to leave. Although we can be heartened by these important achievements, we must do more if we are to overcome the many health challenges our children still face. Recent studies show that children without health insurance are more likely to be sick as newborns, less likely to be immunized, and less likely to receive treatment for recurring illnesses. One of the great accomplishments of my Administration has been the creation of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which I called for in my 1997 State of the Union and signed into law just a year ago. CHIP provides $24 billion to help States offer affordable health insurance to children in eligible working families—the single largest investment in children’s health since the passage of Medicaid in 1965. CHIP will provide health care coverage, including prescription drugs, and vision, hearing, and mental health services, to as many as 5 million uninsured children; and in its first year, nearly four out of five States already are participating in CHIP. We are also working hard to identify and enroll in Medicaid the more than 4 million children who are currently eligible to receive health care through that program but are not enrolled. The challenge before us now is to realize the promise of CHIP and Medicaid by reaching out to families to inform them of their options for health care coverage. Due to recent breakthroughs in medical knowledge, we know that the decisions we make even before our children are born can have a significant impact on their future health. That is why we are committed to fighting, among other afflictions, the tragic consequences of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. In this country, thousands of infants are born each year suffering from the physical and mental effects of this disorder. Because its effects are devastating, causing permanent damage, the simplest and best measure that expectant mothers can take for the safety of their babies is to abstain from drinking alcohol throughout their pregnancies. 112 STAT. 3812 As part of my Administration’s ongoing efforts to protect our children from the effects of alcohol and other substance abuse. Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala recently announced a new campaign, “Your Time—Their Future,” to recruit adults to help children and adolescents develop healthy and useful skills and interests. Research shows that the guidance and example of caring adults can play an important part in helping young people resist the attraction of alcohol and other harmful or illegal substances. To acknowledge the importance of our children’s health, the Congress, by joint resolution approved May 18, 1928, as amended (36 U.S.C. 143), has called for the designation of the first Monday in October as “Child Health Day” and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this day. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 5, 1998, as Child Health Day. I call upon families, schools, communities, and governments to dedicate themselves to protecting the health and wellbeing of all our children. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7133 October 5, 1998 German-American Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7133 of October 5, 1998 German-American Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From the time our republic was born, German Americans have enriched our national life and culture. Many, seeking religious freedom, first settled in and around Philadelphia more than 300 years ago; and to this day, one of the largest neighborhoods in that city is called Germantown. Throughout the colonial period, more Germans arrived on these shores and made their homes throughout the Thirteen Colonies. Today, almost a quarter of the American people can trace their roots back to Germany. German Americans have had an important and lasting impact not only on the growth of our Nation, but also on the formation of many of our deepest values. As skilled and industrious farmers, German Americans have shared their love for the land and a strong sense of family and community. With a deep respect for education and the arts, they have broadened the cultural life of the communities in which they live. And, from their earliest days in this country, Germans and German Americans have revered freedom, as epitomized by the service of General Friedrich von Steuben during America’s struggle for independence and by the dedication of the entirely German American Provost Corps which, under the command of Major Bartholomew von Heer, served as General Washington’s personal guard unit during the Revolutionary War. 112 STAT. 3813 All of us can take pride in the accomplishments of German Americans—as soldiers and statesmen, scientists and musicians, artisans and educators. It is fitting that we set aside this special day to remember and celebrate how much German Americans have done to preserve our ideals, enrich our culture, and strengthen our democracy. 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 the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, October 6, 1998, as German-American Day. I encourage all Americans to recognize and celebrate the many gifts that millions of people of German descent have brought to this Nation and that have enriched the lives of our citizens. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7134 October 7, 1998 National Day of Concern About Young People and Gun Violence, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7134 of October 7, 1998 National Day of Concern About Young People and Gun Violence, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During the past 18 months, Americans have been stunned by gun violence among our youth, including the tragic incidents of students shooting their classmates and teachers in Jonesboro, Arkansas; Pearl, Mississippi; Paducah, Kentucky; Edinboro, Pennsylvania; and Springfield, Oregon. In communities across the country, some young people are trying to resolve their conflicts and problems by taking a gun into their schools or onto the streets—guns that, although they are generally illegal for children to possess, are still too easy to get. While recent data indicate that the overwhelming majority of American schools are safe and that the rate of youth violence is beginning to decline, we must not relax our efforts to protect our children from such violence. Since the beginning of my Administration, we have worked hard to make our schools and communities safe places for children to learn and grow. We have put more community police in our neighborhoods, encouraged the use of curfews, school uniforms, and tough truancy policies, and proposed funding for after-school programs that provide children and young people with wholesome activities that keep them interested, engaged, and off the streets. We instituted a policy of zero tolerance for guns in schools that is now the law in all 50 States. We have issued a guidebook to help teachers, principals, and parents recognize the early warning signs of troubled students and intervene before despair or anger gives way to violence. Later this month, I will host the first-ever White House Conference on School Safety to focus on the causes and prevention of youth violence and to share effective strategies that we can put into practice nationwide. Through these and 112 STAT. 3814many other measures, we have strived to protect America’s youth from being either the perpetrators or the victims of gun violence. While government can and must be an active partner in the effort to prevent youth violence, the real key to ending the killing is in the hands of young Americans themselves. Every young person must assume personal responsibility for avoiding violent confrontation, have the strength of character to walk away from a dispute before it turns deadly, and have the courage and common sense to refuse to participate in gang activities, to use drugs, or to carry or use a gun. As part of our nationwide observance of National Day of Concern About Young People and Gun Violence, I urge students across America to voluntarily sign a “Student Pledge Against Gun Violence” as an acknowledgment of these responsibilities. This pledge is a solemn promise by young people never to bring a gun to school, never to use a gun to settle a dispute, and to discourage their friends from using guns. By keeping this promise and giving one another the chance to grow to healthy, productive adulthood, young Americans will be taking an enormous step toward a stronger, safer future for themselves and our Nation. 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 October 8, 1998, as a National Day of Concern About Young People and Gun Violence. On this day, I call upon all Americans to commit themselves anew to helping our young people avoid violence, to setting a good example, and to restoring our schools and neighborhoods as safe havens for learning and recreation. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7135 October 8, 1998 Leif Erikson Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7135 of October 8, 1998 Leif Erikson Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Almost a thousand years ago, the great Norse explorer Leif Erikson first set foot on the North American continent. In commemorating Leif Erikson Day each year, we honor the pioneering spirit of this son of Iceland and grandson of Norway. We recall the daring of the Viking seafarers, who saw the ocean not as a boundary but as a gateway to another world, and we pay tribute to the courage of their descendants who, centuries later would brave their own ocean journeys to find a new life in America. This thirst for adventure has remained a fundamental trait of the American character since our earliest days as a Nation. But men and women of the Nordic countries brought other important strengths to their 112 STAT. 3815adopted land as well: resourcefulness, self-reliance, determination, a willingness to work hard, a love of freedom, and a belief in human dignity. Leif Erikson’s arrival in North America brought not only the explorer’s passion to our country, but also laid the foundations of the friendship the United States enjoys today with the Nordic countries. Building on the values we share, our nations have made a powerful commitment to protect and expand political, religious, and economic freedom to peoples around the world. Staunch allies in times of peace and war, the United States and the countries of Scandinavia look forward to the year 2000 when we will commemorate together the 1000th anniversary of Leif Erikson’s historic voyage to our continent and celebrate the important and lasting contributions the sons and daughters of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland have made to the history and heritage of our Nation. In honor of Leif Erikson, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on September 2, 1964 (Public Law 88–566), has authorized and requested the President to proclaim October 9 of each year as “Leif Erikson Day.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 9, 1998, as Leif Erikson Day. I encourage the people of the United States to observe this occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities commemorating our rich Nordic-American heritage. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7136 October 9, 1998 Columbus Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7136 of October 9, 1998 Columbus Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Today our Nation stands on the threshold of a new millennium, an uncharted time of great challenge and opportunity. To fulfill the promise of this new era, we must be adventurous, willing to leave known shores, and eager to embrace change. To find inspiration for this momentous journey, we need only look to the example of Christopher Columbus, who helped usher in a similar Age of Discovery more than 500 years ago. A skilled and experienced seaman, Columbus pushed back the boundaries of the known world and charted a safe course across the ocean to a new continent. He was a master at reading and using the winds and discovered the best westward and eastward passages between Europe and North America. As Daniel Boorstin wrote in The Discoverers, “... a sailing vessel today, after all that has been learned in the last five centuries, could not do better than follow Columbus’ route.” Explorers, adventurers, and traders from many nations would follow his 112 STAT. 3816lead across the Atlantic, as would millions of immigrants in the centuries following his voyages. Although both a dreamer and a visionary, Columbus—a son of Italy whose enterprise was funded by the Spanish crown—could never have foreseen the multicultural, multiracial Nation that would ultimately emerge in the New World he helped to discover. As we enter a new era, let us embrace Columbus’ spirit of discovery and embrace as well the great diversity of cultures, religions, and ethnic traditions that we enjoy because so many have followed his course to this great land. In tribute to Columbus’ many achievements, the Congress, by joint resolution of April 30, 1934 (48 Stat. 657), and an Act of June 28, 1968 (82 Stat. 250), has requested the President to proclaim the second Monday in October of each year as “Columbus Day.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 12, 1998, as Columbus Day. I call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also direct that the flag of the United States be displayed on all public buildings on the appointed day in honor of Christopher Columbus. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7137 October 9, 1998 National School Lunch Week, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7137 of October 9, 1998 National School Lunch Week, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation When the National School Lunch Program was established by President Truman in 1946, it built upon decades of local commitment by parents, educators, and community leaders who recognized a simple but important fact: hungry children can’t learn. Today, for millions of students, the National School Lunch Program provides nutritious meals that serve as a vital foundation for learning and growing. Many of these children receive their only nutritious meal of the day at school. Thanks to this practical and effective program, children and adolescents in school cafeterias across our country not only have the opportunity to enjoy a wholesome and balanced meal each day, but they also begin to understand the importance of making healthy eating choices. Unfortunately, the eating habits of America’s children and adolescents often fall short. Parents, educators, school administrators, food service professionals, and community leaders must work in partnership to ensure that our youth learn the importance of good nutrition to overall good health. Learning about nutrition in school and having the daily 112 STAT. 3817opportunity to eat a well–balanced meal can help children develop the eating habits necessary to excel in the classroom and in life. In recognition of the contributions of the National School Lunch Program to the health, education, and well–being of our Nation’s children, the Congress, by joint resolution of October 9, 1962 (Public Law 87780), has designated the week beginning on the second Sunday in October of each year as “National School Lunch Week” and has requested the President to issue a proclamation in observance of this week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 11 through October 17, 1998, as National School Lunch Week. I call upon all Americans to join the dedicated individuals who lead child nutrition programs at the State and local levels in appropriate activities and celebrations that promote these programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7138 October 9, 1998 General Pulaski Memorial Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7138 of October 9, 1998 General Pulaski Memorial Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Two hundred nineteen years ago, General Casimir Pulaski selflessly gave his life on an American battlefield, far from his native soil, in a struggle dedicated to the principles of freedom and self–governance. Each year on October 11, America solemnly marks the anniversary of the death of this hero, a man whose devotion to liberty recognized no national boundary. Born in Poland in 1747, Pulaski first joined the fight against tyranny and oppression at his father’s side, defending their beloved homeland against Prussian and Imperial Russian aggression. At the age of 21, Pulaski took command of a detachment of rebel forces and proved his valor and strategic skill as he led freedom fighters into numerous battles. Struggling against insurmountable odds, he and his fellow rebels were ultimately defeated, and Pulaski was forced into exile. Carrying the cause of freedom to foreign shores, Pulaski came to America to offer his services to George Washington in our country’s struggle for independence. He wrote to General Washington, “I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.” He proved true to his word. Washington was so impressed with Pulaski’s abilities during the battle of Brandywine Creek that he recommended that the Continental Congress appoint Pulaski as general of the American cavalry. Pulaski and the special infantry and cavalry unit he formed fought bravely at the front lines of the Revolutionary War. And during the siege of Savannah, Casimir Pulaski gave his life so that our Nation might live in freedom. 112 STAT. 3818 Every year on this date, Americans across our country commemorate General Pulaski and draw inspiration from his life and the principles for which he fought. As we reflect on how far liberty and democracy have advanced across the globe, we know that General Pulaski’s gallant and determined spirit continues to live. It is this very spirit that kept alive the dream of freedom in the hearts and minds of the Polish people during the darkest days of Nazi and Communist oppression. Today, thanks to the enduring resolve and sacrifices of modern heroes following Pulaski’s example, Europe is free, and the United States and Poland, as staunch friends and future NATO allies, look forward to a new millennium bright with the prospects of peace and prosperity. 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 Sunday, October 11, 1998, as General Pulaski Memorial Day. I encourage all Americans to commemorate this occasion with appropriate programs and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety–eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty–third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7139 October 9, 1998 National Children’s Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7139 of October 9, 1998 National Children’s Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation One of the most important measures of our success as a Nation is the well-being of our children. As a society, we have no more important responsibility than to help our families raise healthy, happy, loving children in an environment that allows kids to reach their full potential. My Administration is committed to this goal, and we have made significant progress over the past five and a half years through initiatives and legislation designed to strengthen families, protect our children’s health, and invest in their education. By providing a tax credit of $500 per child to 26 million families, increasing the minimum wage, and cutting taxes through extending the Earned Income Tax Credit, we have helped millions of working families. We have dramatically increased Federal funding for child care and proposed additional subsidies and tax credits to help families pay for such care. Through the Family and Medical Leave Act, we have made it easier for working parents to take as much as 12 weeks of unpaid leave to care for a new baby or a sick child without jeopardizing their jobs. And the landmark Adoption and Safe Families Act I signed into law last year helps the thousands of children in foster care by working to reunite them with their families, where possible, or move them more quickly into secure, permanent adoptive families when that is the best option. 112 STAT. 3819 To meet our commitment to the health of all our children, we have extended health care coverage to millions of previously uninsured children through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the largest national investment in children’s health care in more than 30 years. Children with health insurance get a healthier start in life because they receive regular checkups and routine immunizations. We are working with the States to ensure that every child eligible for CHIP is enrolled, and we are focusing on enrolling the more than 4 million uninsured children who are currently eligible for health coverage under the Medicaid program. To empower America’s children with the skills and knowledge they need to make the most of their lives, our Nation has also made the largest investment in education in more than a generation. Today, more than 800,000 children are enrolled in Head Start, receiving the attention and training they need to start school ready to learn. We are also working with the Congress to pass legislation that will provide public schools with more teachers, smaller class sizes, new or renovated buildings, and the latest in information technology. Children are our greatest blessing, and raising them well is the most challenging and rewarding task any of us will ever undertake. On National Children’s Day, let us recommit ourselves—as loving parents and caring citizens—to ensure that all of America’s children grow up in truly nurturing environments where their needs are met and where they have every opportunity to make the most of their lives. 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 October 11, 1998, as National Children’s Day. I urge the American people to express their love and appreciation for children on this day and on everyday throughout the year. I invite Federal officials, local governments, communities, and particularly all American families to join together in observing this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor our Nation’s children. I also urge all Americans to reflect upon the importance of children to our families, the importance of strong families to our children, and the importance of each to America. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7140 October 15, 1998 White Cane Safety Day, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 7140 of October 15, 1998 White Cane Safety Day, 1998 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The white cane is both a simple tool and a powerful symbol. For people who are blind or visually impaired, it can be the key to greater mobility, giving them information about their surroundings and allowing them to travel safely whether crossing the street or crossing the coun-112 STAT. 3820 try. For those who are sighted, the white cane shows that blind or visually impaired people have the ability, the desire, and the right to participate in every aspect of our national life. It is also a reminder that, whether as pedestrians or drivers, we should respond with care and courtesy to people using a white cane. And for all of us, the white cane symbolizes the independence every citizen needs and deserves if he or she is to contribute fully to society. Our annual observance of White Cane Safety Day gives us the opportunity not only to celebrate the accomplishments of those who use the white cane, but also to renew our commitment to removing those barriers, both physical and attitudinal, that prevent people with disabilities from reaching their full potential. Since passage of the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Fair Housing Amendments Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Telecommunications Act, we have made great progress in our efforts to ensure that all people with disabilities enjoy equal access to employment opportunities, education, public accommodations, housing, transportation, telecommunications, emerging technologies, and other aspects of our society. We still have a long way to go, however, before we achieve the full inclusion, empowerment, and independence of all Americans with disabilities. The public and private sectors must work in partnership to raise awareness of the rights protected by the ADA and other laws, as well as the responsibilities and obligations these laws mandate. It is crucial that we pursue a comprehensive strategy to enable people with all types of disabilities to obtain and sustain competitive employment in our Nation’s thriving economy. Men and women with disabilities have much to offer, and their energy, creativity, and hard work can greatly strengthen our Nation and our economy. As we observe White Cane Safety Day and acknowledge the importance of the white cane as an instrument of personal freedom, let us reaffirm our determination to ensure equal opportunity for every American, including people who are blind or visually impaired. To honor the many achievements of blind and visually impaired citizens and to recognize the white cane’s significance in advancing independence, the Congress, by joint resolution approved October 6, 1964, has designated October 15 of each year as “White Cane Safety Day.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15, 1998, as White Cane Safety Day. I call upon the people of the United States, government officials, educators, and business leaders to observe this day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-third. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 7141 October 16, 1998 National Character Counts Week, 1998 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

Connectionstraces to 3

Traces to 3 documents

U.S. Code