113 STAT. 2156 PROCLAMATION 7233—OCT. 5, 1999 message: Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but bias and discrimination shame us all. 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 4, 1999, 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 first day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fourth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON Proclamation 7233 of October 5, 1999 German-American Day, 1999 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout America's history, we have drawn strength from the diversity of our people. Men and women from many different countries and cultures have arrived here, determined to forge a new life in a new land, and their talents have contributed to our national life. Germans were among the earliest ethnic groups to emigrate to America, arriving at William Penn's invitation more than 300 years ago. Whether motivated by the pursuit of religious liberty, intellectual freedom, or economic opportunity, the millions of Germans who have made their home in America have played an important part in advancing the peace and prosperity that our country enjoys today. The achievements of notable German Americans have enriched every aspect of our society. The leadership of statesmen such as President Eisenhower and Henry Kissinger helped guide om: Nation secin-ely through the difficult Cold War years. The military aciunen of German Americans has benefited us—from the Revolutionary War, when Baron Friedrich von Steuben's training programs brought discipline and organization to the Continental Army, to the Gulf War, when General Norman Schwarzkopf helped lead our troops to victory over Saddam Hussein. Prominent authors H. L. Mencken and Theodore Dreiser have enlightened our literary tradition, while inventors George Westinghouse and Charles Steinmetz have fueled our technological advancement. The world of American sports has been energized by outstanding athletes of German descent, providing a showcase for the talents of such greats as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. But by focusing on the achievements of prominent individuals, we risk understating the overall importance of the German heritage to our Na-
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