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Code · STATUTES-AT-LARGE · Vol. 96 STAT. · July 19, 1982 · Proclamation 4953

Proclamation 4953.

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96 STAT. 2752 Proclamation 4953 of July 19, 1982 Captive Nations Week, 1982 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During the past year, we have witnessed another tragic demonstration of the failure of tyranny to compete with the principles of freedom. The imposition of martial law in Poland on December 13, 1981, served as a bitter reminder that the quest for freedom and self-determination can only be restrained by force. It clearly demonstrated the moral bankruptcy of a system which has been unable to earn the support of its population after more than 35 years in power.
The same repression imposed on the Polish people is evidenced in various ways in other captive nations dominated by foreign military power and an alien Marxist-Leninist ideology. The brutal suppression of sovereignty in Afghanistan and the bondage of the captive peoples of Eastern Europe continue. Among the oppressed we must also count the peoples of many nationalities within the Soviet Union itself; they are victims of long decades of repression. Twenty-three years ago, by a joint resolution approved July 17, 1959, (73 Stat. 212), the Congress authorized and requested the President to proclaim the third week in July as Captive Nations Week.
This week offers Americans an opportunity to honor our Nation’s founders whose wisdom and commitment to self-determination and liberty have guided this country for more than 200 years. Let us once again reaffirm our faith that the aspiration for freedom will ultimately prevail over the rule of force and coercion which denies human rights to so many other parts of the world today. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the week beginning July 18, 1982, as Captive Nations Week.
I invite the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to reaffirm their dedication to the ideals which unite us and inspire others. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 19th day of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh. RONALD REAGAN 4954 July 28, 1982 National Navaho Code Talkers Day Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4954 of July 28, 1982 National Navaho Code Talkers Day By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Since the Revolutionary War, when General George Washington praised the Indians under his command, the United States has been privileged to have members of the Indian Nation serve in its armed forces. 96 STAT. 2753 From the bravery demonstrated at Valley Forge and the establishment of the U.S.
Indian Scouts on August 1, 1866, to the present day, Native Americans have heeded the call to duty. Though often excluded from the annals of United States history, these people, nonetheless, have defended the only land they have ever known, asking for nothing more than opportunity in return. The Navaho Nation, when called upon to serve the United States, contributed a precious commodity never before used in this way. In the midst of the fighting in the Pacific during World War II, a gallant group of men from the Navaho Nation utilized their language in coded form to help speed the Allied victory.
Equipped with the only foolproof, unbreakable code in the history of warfare, the code talkers confused the enemy with an earful of sounds never before heard by code experts. The dedication and unswerving devotion to duty shown by the men of the Navaho Nation in serving as radio code talkers in the Marine Corps during World War II should serve as a fine example for all Americans. It is fitting that at this time we also express appreciation for the other American Indians who have served our Nation in times of war.
Members of the Choctaw, Chippewa, Creek, Sioux, and other tribes used their tribal languages as effective battlefield codes against the Germans in World War I and the Japanese and Germans in World War II. Beyond this unique role, American Indians serving in the United States military forces have established an outstanding record of bravery and heroism in battle. Many have given their lives in the performance of their duty. Their record should be recognized by all Americans. By House Joint Resolution 444, the Congress has requested me to designate *Ante*, p. 244.August 14, 1982, as National Navaho Code Talkers Day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate August 14, 1982, as National Navaho Code Talkers Day, a day dedicated to all members of the Navaho Nation and to all Native Americans who gave of their special talents and their lives so that others might live. I ask the American people to join me in this tribute, and I call upon Federal, State and local officials to commemorate this day with appropriate activities. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 28th day of July in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
RONALD REAGAN 4955 July 30, 1982 National Purple Heart Week, 1982 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4955 of July 30, 1982 National Purple Heart Week, 1982 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Just 200 years ago, on August 7, 1782, General George Washington established the Honorary Badge of Distinction/Badge of Military Merit—which we now know as the Purple Heart—at Newburgh-on-Hudson. 96 STAT. 2754 When General Washington directed the creation of the Badge of Military Merit specifically to honor our lower-ranking soldiers, he demonstrated a philosophy unheard of in contemporary Europe, which reserved military honors for officers and members of the nobility.
Thus, our Nation’s first military award recognized the spirit of voluntarism and selfless dedication of the average American which has been so fundamental to the American way of life ever since. After the Revolutionary War, the Purple Heart fell into disuse but was revived in 1932 by President Herbert Hoover as an award to be presented to Army personnel who were wounded or killed in combat against an enemy of the United States. It later was authorized for Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard personnel, and, now, all armed services personnel as well as certain civilian nationals are eligible to receive it.
Countless Americans have been wounded in combat while defending our great Nation against armed enemies. Because of the nature of their injuries, these Purple Heart recipients bear their battle wounds for life. Many more have made the supreme sacrifice, giving their lives for their country. It is most fitting that this special group of veterans be recognized for their outstanding contributions to our Nation’s security. It is also most fitting that we recognize the bicentennial anniversary of the creation of the Purple Heart and the fiftieth anniversary of its reestablishment as well as the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. *Ante*, p. 247.
The Congress, by House Joint Resolution 526, has authorized and requested the President to proclaim the first week in August as National Purple Heart Week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate the week beginning August 1, 1982, as National Purple Heart Week. I call on all Americans to join in honoring Purple Heart recipients who have served and those who will serve our Nation with distinction. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 30th day of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
RONALD REAGAN 4956 July 30, 1982 National Hispanic Heritage Week, 1982 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4956 of July 30, 1982 National Hispanic Heritage Week, 1982 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Hispanic men and women have played a vital role in the development and progress of the United States, opening new frontiers and establishing missions and settlements that were the forerunners of some of our most important and thriving urban and cultural centers.
Across the southern regions of our great country, from Florida to California, Hispanic explorers, pioneers, and settlers have helped to shape this vast land. 96 STAT. 2755 Since the time of our Revolution, when U.S. leaders shared with leaders in Latin America the common struggle of lifting the bonds of colonial rule, through the present, peoples of the Americas have shared great democratic ideals. In the words of Benito Juarez, a contemporary of Abraham Lincoln, “Respect for the rights of others, between individuals, as between nations, is the basis of peace.
” These words convey the essence of our laws and values, preserving the dignity and equality of all our people. Hispanics continue to make significant and enduring contributions to our society, enriching us intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. In times of peace, the accomplishments of these Americans in science, technology, politics, the arts, and other important fields have greatly enhanced our way of life. In times of war, Hispanic Americans have defended our natioin with pride and courage.
Thirty-nine of them have received the Medal of Honor, America’s highest military decoration. This is a higher proportion of such heroes than in any other group, and we salute their sacrifices and bravery. As did earlier decades, the 1980’s present Hispanic Americans with new opportunities to pursue their goals and advance our society. Like those before them today’s Hispanic Americans meet their challenges and responsibilities with dignity and a creative spirit. Their energetic commitment to hard work and their determination to participate fully in the American Dream bring strength and inspiration to us all.
The Congress, by joint resolution approved September 17, 1968 (82 Stat. 848), authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week which includes September 15 and 16 as National Hispanic Heritage Week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the week beginning September 12, 1982, as National Hispanic Heritage Week in honor of Hispanic men and women. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to observe the proud history of Hispanic peoples.
I ask all Americans to join together in peace, brotherhood, and pride in being one Nation under God. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 30th day of July, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh. RONALD REAGAN 4957 August 4, 1982 Working Mothers’ Day Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4957 of August 4, 1982 Working Mothers’ Day By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Over the past half century a great change has been taking place in the social and economic structure of the United States; mothers are joining the labor force in ever-increasing numbers.
At the present time, over half of all the children in America have mothers who work outside the home. Over forty-three million women are now employed in every area of public and private employment and are continuing to develop new opportunities. They have made, and continue to make, increasingly important contributions to the Nation. 96 STAT. 2756 Of these forty-three million working women, over eighteen million simultaneously perform the vitally important role of mother. These women make substantial contributions both to the Nation’s economic growth and to the increasing strength of the American family, often at great personal sacrifice.
They deserve our recognition and gratitude. Most other mothers are working full time in the home. Their work is no less important. The guidance they give their children and the maintenance of a strong and cohesive family unit also contribute to the Nation’s economic growth. *Ante*, p. 103. By Senate Joint Resolution 53, the Congress of the United States has authorized and requested the President to designate September 5, 1982, as “Working Mothers’ Day.” NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 5, 1982, as “Working Mothers’ Day” and call upon families, individual citizens, labor and civic organizations, the media, and the business community to acknowledge the importance of the mothers who work inside or outside the home and to express appreciation for their role in American society.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of Aug, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh. RONALD REAGAN 4958 August 13, 1982 Women’s Equality Day, 1982 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4958 of August 13, 1982 Women’s Equality Day, 1982 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation [USC prec. title 1.](/us/usc/t1) On August 26, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution became law, granting women the right to vote.
On this, the 62nd Anniversary of that historic day, we Americans can pause and take pride in the progress we have made toward the goal of equal opportunity. We celebrate today not only the achievements of the past, but, also, our continued commitment to build an America in which all our citizens will share equally in the rights and responsibilities of our Nation. In the intervening years since 1920, women have faithfully carried out responsibilities at all levels of government, in every area of employment and education, and in the nurturing of families and children.
Today, more than ever, we honor women for their contribution in helping to make America great. Let us help pledge anew to dedicate our efforts to ensure equality of opportunity for every citizen of the United States. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim August 26, 1982, as Women’s Equality Day. I call upon every American to join me in this tribute. 96 STAT. 2757 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of Aug., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.
RONALD REAGAN 4959 August 26, 1982 Nordic-America Week, 1982 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Proclamation 4959 of August 26, 1982 Nordic-America Week, 1982 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation From the Viking voyages a millenium ago to the myriad Scandinavians who have come here in more recent times, the Nordic people have made an indelible contribution to the greatness that is America, Danes, Finns, Icelanders, Norwegians and Swedes landed on our East coast and went West, expanded our frontier, tamed the prairie and helped make America the great Nation it is today.
To give recognition to those Scandinavians who had a part in the making of America, a nationwide series of events will begin in September, called “Scandinavia Today.” These events will describe the Nordic gift to the American heritage and will underscore the achievements of those nations in science, art and government. We have received much from Scandinavia: The Icelandic sagas are monuments of literature; Niels Bohr was a vital link in modem science; Jan Sibelius was one of the giants of music; and Edvard Munch gave the world the visual beauty of his art.
They offered us much. Yet, for America, there is more still. The immigrants from Nordic countries infused us with their cultural and intellectual wealth and balanced their traditions with those of immigrants from other countries to help give America its enormous strength and unique resilience. It is fitting that we honor all of their contributions during this special week. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate September five through September eleven, 1982, as Nordic-America Week.
I invite the people of the United States to honor these Nordic nations during that week by holding appropriate ceremonies throughout the land and in participating in the many events of the “Scandinavia Today” program through the year. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh. RONALD REAGAN 4960 September 8, 1982 Fire Prevention Week, 1982 Digitization Vendor By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation
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