Proclamation 4854.
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95 STAT. 1827 Proclamation 4854 of August 24, 1981 Women’s Equality Day, 1981 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution became law, [USC prec. title 1](/us/usc/t1).granting women the right to vote. On this, the 61st anniversary of that milestone, all Americans should reflect on the progress we have made toward the goal of equal opportunity. Since ratification of the 19th Amendment, women have played increasingly important roles in guiding the Nation’s basic institutions.
While women continue to fulfill the irreplaceable and vitally important roles of wife and mother, increasing numbers of them have entered the professions and the work place as well, making steady, significant progress over the years. Today, women faithfully shoulder responsibilities at all levels of government and in every area of employment and education and are opening up new opportunities every day. On this occasion, it is fitting that we honor the contributions women have made to every aspect of our development as a Nation and rededicate ourselves to maintaining a society in which the rights of all citizens are protected.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim August 26, 1981, as Women’s Equality Day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN 4855 September 4, 1981 National Hispanic Heritage Week, 1981 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4855 of September 4, 1981 National Hispanic Heritage Week, 1981 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The Hispanic peoples, their traditions, language and culture are a vital part of the American heritage.
Their influence on our nation began with the Spaniards long before our revolution brought independence from England. This heritage can today be found almost everywhere in our daily lives: the arts and music we enjoy, the architecture of the homes and buildings in which we live and work, the history we read, and the language we use. The Hispanic peoples today add to our strength as a nation with their strong devotion to family, deep religious convictions, pride in their language and heritage and commitment to earning a livelihood by hard work.
Outstanding Hispanic men and women have advanced our nation in science 95 STAT. 1828and technology, business and public service. From the Southwest to the Northeast of the United States, they carry on their tradition of service to the communities in which we all live. This year, San Antonio has joined Miami and other American cities in electing a prominent Hispanic citizen as its mayor. Hispanic Americans bring to us, as well, a tradition of respect for the role of women both at home and in the workplace.
Hispanic Americans serve with distinction in our military services today as they have served with leadership and courage on the battlefield in defense of this nation in the past. Their contributions all too often go unrecognized. It is, therefore, fitting that we set aside this week to honor the Hispanic peoples that are among us as a nation of Americans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning September 13, 1981, as National Hispanic Heritage Week in honor of the Hispanic peoples who have enriched our daily lives, our traditions and our national strength.
In this spirit, I ask all of our citizens to reflect on the sense of brotherhood that binds us together as one people. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN 4856 September 8, 1981 Death of Roy Wilkins Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4856 of September 8, 1981 Death of Roy Wilkins By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation *To the People of the United States:* With sadness, I announce the death of Roy Wilkins who died today in New York City.
Roy Wilkins worked for equality, spoke for freedom, and marched for justice. His quiet and unassuming manner masked his tremendous passion for civil and human rights. He once said, “The heritage of a man of peace will endure and shine into the darkness of this world.” Although Roy Wilkins’ death darkens our day, the accomplishments of his life will continue to endure and shine forth. As a mark of respect for the memory of Roy Wilkins, I hereby order 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 until his interment.
I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. 95 STAT. 1829 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN 4857 September 14, 1981 Yorktown Bicentennial Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4857 of September 14, 1981 Yorktown Bicentennial By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation On October 19, 1781, the British forces under Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, to General Washington and our French allies.
That surrender signified the practical end of the struggle by our forefathers for liberty and independence. The impossible dream of those patriots was about to be transformed into the reality of a bright new Nation. As the King’s troops came slowly down the road to the surrender field, legend has it that they struck up the tune, “The World Turned Upside Down.” And, indeed, the old order was to be turned upside down, for the creative powers of democracy were about to be released on an unsuspecting world.
This year marks the two hundredth anniversary of the surrender. October 19, 1781, was a major date in the development of America and her freedoms; and today, two centuries later, it remains an important reminder of our identity as a nation. The anniversary is also an appropriate time to recall the assistance France gave to America’s revolutionary struggle. We, as Americans, are the product of many victories, many sacrifices, and many hopes. The campaign at Yorktown is a historic example.
The Congress has enacted a joint resolution (Public Law 96–414) designating [94 Stat. 1424](/us/stat/94/1424).October 19, 1981, as a “Day of National Observance of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis to General George Washington at Yorktown, Virginia.” It is fitting that we reflect upon our victory at Yorktown and commemorate it in such a manner as to inspire love of country and devotion to ideals by recalling to this generation the struggles of the past.
We can do this at the same time as we give thanks for the great bond of friendship which exists between ourselves and Great Britain. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Monday, October 19, 1981, as a day of national observance to remember and to honor the sacrifice of our ancestors in their quest for the political freedom that we enjoy today. I urge all Americans to celebrate again the joyous victory of our forefathers and I urge appropriate officials of the Federal, State, and local governments, as well as private organizations, to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities. **Editorial Note**:
The President’s statement of September 8, 1981, on the death of Roy Wilkins, is printed in the *Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents* (vol. 17, p. 947). 95 STAT. 1830 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 14th day of Sept., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN 4858 September 16, 1981 Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 1981 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4858 of September 16, 1981 Citizenship Day and Constitution Week, 1981 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Daniel Webster once wrote, “We may be tossed upon an ocean where we can see no land—nor, perhaps, the sun or stars.
But there is a chart and a compass for us to study, to consult, and to obey. The chart is the USC prec. title 1Constitution.” September 17, 1981, marks the 194th anniversary of our Constitution. Its Framers scarcely could have conceived of the timelessness of the document they so carefully drafted. They prepared a Constitution to meet the needs of a fledgling nation. Yet today, amid the complexities of the twentieth century, that same Constitution, with only several amendments, serves a nation whose territory spans a continent and whose population exceeds two hundred and twenty-five million.
With the passing of each year, it becomes increasingly evident that, in the words of Chief Justice John Mar shall, our Constitution will “endure for ages to come.” The Constitution establishes the Congress, the Executive, and the Judiciary, and through a deliberate allocation of authority, it defines the limits of each upon the others. It particularizes the liberties which, as free men and women, we insist upon, and it constrains both Federal and State powers to ensure that those precious liberties are faithfully protected.
It is our blue print for freedom, our commitment to ourselves and to each other. It is by choice, not by imposition, that the Constitution is the supreme law of our Land. As we approach the bicentennial of this charter, each of us has a personal obligation to acquaint ourselves with it and with its central role in guiding our Nation. While a constitution may set forth rights and liberties, only the citizens can maintain and guarantee those freedoms. Active and informed citizenship is not just a right; it is a duty.
In recognition of the paramount importance of the Constitution to our Nation, and in recognition of all who have attained the status of United States citizens, the Congress by joint resolution on February 29, 1952 (36 U.S.C. Section 153), designated September 17th as Citizenship Day, and by joint resolution of August 2, 1956 (36 U.S.C. Section 159), requested the President to proclaim the week beginning September 17th and ending September 23rd of each year as Constitution Week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, call upon appropriate Government officials to display the flag **Editorial Note**: The President’s remarks of Sept. 14, 1981, on signing Proclamation 4857, are printed in the *Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents* (vol. 17, p. 968). 95 STAT. 1831 of the United States on all Government buildings on Citizenship Day, September 17, 1981. I urge Federal, State and local officials, as well as leaders of civic, educational and religious organizations to conduct ceremonies and programs that day to commemorate the occasion.
I also proclaim the week beginning September 17th and ending September 23rd, 1981 as Constitution Week, and I urge all Americans to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and activities in their schools, churches and other suitable places. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 16th day of Sept. in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN 4859 September 17, 1981 National Cystic Fibrosis Week Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4859 of September 17, 1981 National Cystic Fibrosis Week By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Cystic fibrosis is an hereditary, metabolic disease primarily affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.
Tragically, the disease attacks the young. It imposes enormous economic, physical and emotional burdens on both victim and family. The disease is the leading genetic killer of young Americans; yet, its cause and cure are unknown. In addition, there is no test for determining who is a carrier—and there are up to 10 million symptom-free individuals who might pass cystic fibrosis on to their children. Nevertheless, there is ample reason for hope. There have been important advances in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Twenty-five years ago, children affected by the disease seldom reached school age. Today, half of those afflicted with the disease will live into their twenties, and the quality of life during these additional years has been significantly improved. Supported by the National Institutes of Health and private voluntary agencies, researchers throughout the world are focusing their efforts on cystic fibrosis. Improved methods of diagnosis, detection, treatment and control are being examined and attention, as never before, is being paid to this cruel disease.
Since early diagnosis can prolong life, public awareness is critical. To increase this awareness and commemorate the progress being made in controlling cystic fibrosis, and to emphasize the need for a continued effort to defeat it, the Congress has, by Senate Joint Resolution 62, designated the *Ante*, p. 948.week of September 20 through September 26, 1981, as National Cystic Fibrosis Week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week of September 20 through September 26, 1981, as National Cystic Fibrosis Week.
I call upon the people of the United States to observe that week with appropriate ceremonies and activities. 95 STAT. 1832 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN 4860 September 28, 1981 Fire Prevention Week Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4860 of September 28, 1981 Fire Prevention Week By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Every year this Nation experiences needless loss of life and property.
America’s fire losses are a great waste of our precious resources and must be minimized. Destruction of property and what we pay for fire protection totals over $21 billion each year. But even worse, 7,500 American deaths annually can be attributed to fire. With a concerted effort by individual citizens, our Nation can curtail its needless fire losses. Installing and properly maintaining smoke detectors and practicing fire escape plans can reduce loss of life and property. If each of us would take a few simple precautions, fewer Americans would suffer disfigurement, the agony of injury, or the mental anguish of the sudden loss of loved ones.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do designate the week of October 4 through October 10, 1981, as Fire Prevention Week. Furthermore, I congratulate the fire service for their fire prevention efforts and support their continued work. The National Fire Protection Association, the Fire Marshals Association of North America, fire chiefs, and fire fighters deserve our thanks for their sponsorship of this year’s fire safety observance. I direct the Federal Emergency Management Agency to work with all levels of government, industry, service organizations and volunteers to encourage the broadest possible use of smoke detectors across the Nation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of Sept., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. RONALD REAGAN 4861 September 28, 1981 National Diabetes Week Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
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- Pub. L. 96-414
- 94 Stat. 1424
- 36 USC 153
- 36 USC 159
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Proclamation 4854
Pub. L.Pub. L. 96-414
Stat.94 Stat. 1424
Cite36 USC 153
Cite36 USC 159
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