Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 102 Part 5.djvu/1076

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PUBLIC LAW 100-000—MMMM. DD, 1988

102 STAT. 5082

PROCLAMATION 5881—OCT. 12, 1988

We can all testify proudly that the same love of country that inspires America's veterans during their military service remains with them in later years. Across our land, veterans continue to contribute to our Nation—in the private sector; in public office; in volunteer service; in efforts for their fellow veterans, hospitalized or with other needs; in activities for young people; in the patriotic, civic, religious, fraternal, and service groupstatement our communities and country together; and in support of the strong defenses America needs to maintain peace and freedom. For these reasons and many more, all Americans should proudly pause on Veterans Day to express heartfelt thanks and esteem to the veterans of our land. In order that we may pay fitting homage to those who have served in our Armed Forces, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans. NOW, THEREFORE, I, RONALD REAGAN, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Friday, November 11, 1988, as Veterans Day. I urge all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I also call upon Federal, State, and local government officials to display the flag of the United States and to encourage and take part in patriotic activities throughout our country. I invite the business community, churches, schools, unions, civic and fraternal organizations, and the media to support this national observance with suitable commemorative expressions and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirteenth. RONALD REAGAN Proclamation 5881 of October 12, 1988

White Cane Safety Day, 1988 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation More and more visually impaired Americans are attaining independence in their daily lives, and we can all reflect gratefully on the role of the white cane in making this so. Thanks to the white cane and public awareness of it, blind people can travel and conduct daily activities successfully. The white cane has affected the lives of its users so profoundly that it has come to symbolize freedom and self-reliance for blind citizens everywhere. This simple but effective tool helps many people with visual impairments build fuller lives. Each October, White Cane Safety Day offers all Americans the opportunity to congratulate their friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens who use the white cane to such good advantage for themselves and for our communities and country.